Manila's Signature Dishes 2010: C2 Classic Cuisine

I've known C2 because I've dined in there several times with my family!  The restaurant for me is focused on gatherings as the restaurant is usually spacious!  When I learned C2 is part of the Manila's Signature Dishes 2010, I thought it was a bingo as it was near my place, can you imagine the look of shock when I saw the branch?  It's at Katipunan and seriously, I've been there once or twice in my entire life!  

Late Tuesday night, it started to rain and of course, it was right, we got lost!  But after arriving at the restaurant, this greeted us...

I would like the say, it is worth the travel. C2 at Cravings Center Katipunan opened its doors October 2004.  They pride that most of their dishes are in huge servings because they target groups particularly families!  I am right when I started to earn my own money and take my family there! 

Thanks to Unilever Food Solutions (UFS) I was able to taste dishes I've never tried before! 

I wasn't able to meet the Chef Oliver Gascon but thanks to the Restaurant Manager Mr. Alvan for taking the time to talk to us and explained to us more about C2.  The concept of C2 is redefining classic Filipino dishes.  They pride in giving customers a taste of Filipino cooking with a twist of modern cooking! 

I agree with their concept because I can always taste sinigang in different restaurants or even make my own sinigang at home and they would taste approximately similar in several ways!  At C2, you get surprised on how different a simple Filipino dish could get!

Crispy Ribs Sinigang

(Tamarind Soup Base)

The Crispy Ribs Sinigang is hailed the restaurant's bestseller!  It looks and tastes different like most sinigang I've tasted! The crispy ribs served separately are a great idea as you can taste the crunchiness of the ribs as you drink the sour soup!  The ribs are served quite huge!

Adobong Sitaw

I actually cannot tell it's Adobo!  It is really unique in many ways!  The sauce has coconut milk on it and I would say it tastes closer to "Pinakbet" rather than adobo!  The crunchy pork is the same texture of the crispy ribs!  Definitely felt guilty while I eat this but still, there are vegetables in it!  I can still call this "half healthy"!  *laughs*

Dory Escabeche

My mom and dad who are health conscious would always go for fish!  That's why I am not surprised when I was told this dish is famous with health-conscious customers!  I am really enjoying this dish as I love fish and I love the sauce that comes with it!  When C2 said most of their dishes are combined with foreign style of cooking, I agree with them, particularly in this dish because it tastes like Chinese and Filipino dish combined in one!  The freshness of Dory mixed with slight sweet and a tinge of sour sauce go very well with rice!

 

Well, most dishes above goes so well with rice!  The Garlic Rice is a staple for rice and non-rice lovers like me!  A must to try when you visit C2 Classic Cuisine because a meal is not complete without rice!

Pastilla Panna Cotta

Because Panna Cotta is foreign to most Filipino Restaurants, the innovative Chefs of C2 have decided to mix foreign with local!  The Panna Cotta served is sweeter and creamier than other Panna Cottas available in the market.  That's why they call it Pastillas!  Pastillas are well known Filipino sweets in which the main ingredients are powdered milk and condensed milk! 

 

The restaurant is hidden in multiple restaurants at the Katipunan area.  It looks really small outside but once you get in, you don't feel suffocated at all as the bright looking walls with the huge, clean kitchen makes it pleasing to the eyes!  I love the salad bar!

I have to admit though, after all the wonderful dishes above, and great company with Food Bloggers!  I gave up and bought a piece of Twix Cheesecake!  Sorry, I wasn't able to take a shot of it as I downed it with Mr. AMW on our long way back home!

When you plan to visit C2 Classic Cuisine at Katipunan branch, be prepared of the tiny parking space, but the restaurant offers Valet service!  Servers are quite prompt with their service and WIFI service is also available!

C2 Classic Cuisine

Cravings Center 

287 Katipunan Avenue,

Loyola Heights, Quezon City Philippines

Tel nos: (632) 426-6681 to 89

Operating Hours: 7:00am to 11:00pm Daily

Though I may not return to this restaurant not because I am not happy with the food and service but it is because of the location, I am not worrying because C2 Classic Cuisine is widely scattered around the Metro!  C2 Midtown branch, I will be back!!!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Unilever Foodsolutions (UFS), being the preferred foodservice business partners among restaurateurs, felt the need to acknowledge notable restaurants who are developing Manila as a culinary city.  They have partnerered with select restaurants within the metropolis in coming up with signature dishes.  UFS has synergized with these restaurants, both through dish development and promotion campaign for these signature dishes, in achieving one common goal: coming up with a different culinary experiences that provide value for money and culinary memories for diners.

If you're a restaurateur (or an aspiring one) and in need of help in coming with your signature dish, call (632) 588-8855 or email at foodsolutions.philippines@unilever.com.

Manila's Signature Dishes 2010: Bordeaux

I haven't been much around Fort, Taguig area because, well, I haven't been out too much!  *laughs*  I know it's the "it" place and my bestfriend actually lives the area and seriously?  I should go out more often because I am missing out a lot!  

On that fateful day I chose to visit Bordeaux Bar, it was that day that has the worst traffic ever!  It took us 3 hours to arrive the said destination but all the hunger, the stress were gone when we went inside the Bar.

Relaxing is even an understatement, the place gave me a feel of Paris

Before I visited the Bar, I did my own research and learned that Bordeaux is a new wine bar that serves exclusive French Wines.  The establishment carries close to 100 different wine labels from 15 major French wine regions.  I wouldn't be surprised if French wine lovers would call this their "Kingdom of Happiness"!

Bordeaux is the youngest restaurant out of the 16 restaurants for Manila's Signature Dishes 2010.  It officially opened February of 2010.  I was able to have a good dinner conversation with one of the partner, Mr. Enrique De Castro, young, dynamic guy who has the passion for food just like my passion for Make-up!

For Manila's Signature Dishes 2010, Edward Narvaez chose the dishes to be part of the set as they are the fast-moving and best selling dish in Bordeaux to date!  I was advised that the whole menu will be reconstructed soon and they will be retaining the dishes mentioned in this post because they are what the customers are going back for! 

Gambas ala Rochelle

An appetizer worth ordering!  You do know I'm allergic to shrimps right?  And it was quite easy for me to give shrimp dishes a miss but the moment it was served, my sense of smell went a bit crazy and I pop on an anti-histamine and dug in!  This dish was seriously tasty and can I brag?  My home-made Gambas tastes a bit close to this!  This one is obviously better though!  *laughs*

The real Gambas ala Rochelle is actually served with pasta, but our main dish is quite heavy so the owners decided to leave Gambas the way it should be!  Just shrimps and loads of olive oil, garlic and a lot of 'secret' spices!

Boeuf Bourguignon

When Edward Narvaez traveled in France and tasted this typical French Food, he got back in Manila and cooked it right away and it was a hit to everyone!  They call this the Filipino's Adobo.  It was a funny story about 2 French guys complimenting this dish saying how it tastes exactly like their grandmothers' cooking.  I told Enrique how it sounds like "Ratatouille" over and over again! :)

Both Mr. AMW and myself was in awe at first bite, I love the combination of the tastiness of the beef with the pesto pasta!  Who would have thought it'll go well together?  I've always thought these types of flavorful dishes would only go well with rice, I guess I am too Filipino when it comes to eating!  Think French Nikki, Think French! :)

Panna Cotta

I have to compliment the Chef of the night for such lovely presentation!  The nest-like sugar crisp is the smartest innovation to make simple Panna Cottas look like a dessert worth including in hotel menus!  The hint of strawberry and chocolate syrup with a good serving of cream on top of the Panna Cotta may add inches on my waist but it also added a huge smile on my face!  Best eaten chilled in my opinion!

Bordeaux Bar may be hidden around the area of Fort, Taguig but it's a place worth visiting especially on days you would want to have good food together with your wine!  I will come back not because of the wine (sorry to all wine lovers out there) because I am not a fan of drinking but I will definitely come back for its wonderful food!  Seldom can we find bars that serve good alcoholic beverages at the same time, great tasting food of 5-star quality!

Bordeaux Bar

Unit F, Bellagio II
Rizal Drive, Corner Burgos Circle, 

Fort Global City, Taguig, Philippines

Tel. no: (632) 403-6554

The area has ample parking space, it was a Taguig Holiday that day when we visited the area so the place isn't as jam-packed as regular days, but I can see the waiters are quite attentive and there are several wine aficionados enjoying the good ambiance.

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Unilever Foodsolutions (UFS), being the preferred foodservice business partners among restaurateurs, felt the need to acknowledge notable restaurants who are developing Manila as a culinary city.  They have partnerered with select restaurants within the metropolis in coming up with signature dishes.  UFS has synergized with these restaurants, both through dish development and promotion campaign for these signature dishes, in achieving one common goal: coming up with a different culinary experiences that provide value for money and culinary memories for diners.  
 
If you're a restaurateur (or an aspiring one) and in need of help in coming with your signature dish, call (632) 588-8855 or email at foodsolutions.philippines@unilever.com.

Manila's Signature Dishes 2010: TYA Bar & Restaurant

My sister, who looks really quiet and super shy, is actually quite a bar person when she was younger!  I may be the big mouthed girl in the family but I think the number Restaurant/Bars I've been to, well, are less than the number of my fingers!  And I'm talking about the left hand only!  *poor me!*

One of the bar/restaurant my sister frequently visits with her friends is a bar called Ten Years After!  It's near the house and I heard the place is really good even for all girls' party!  

Many years after, I haven't heard about Ten Years After but I heard a certain bar newly opened last year around October called TYA bar!  Would you believe I did not even get it that it's the acronym of Ten Years After? (TYA)  Call me stupid...I agree!  *hahaha*

TYA Bar and Restaurant is located at the heart of Quezon City near ABS-CBN.  The target market of this restaurant is 18 years old and above!  It was Thursday night when we dined in this place and would you believe the place is actually packed with office workers relaxing while enjoying drinks with friends and colleagues before calling it the day?

I was able to have a quick chat with the Chef and Owner Ms. Pia Abadesco, and boy!  Do I have to add her culinary background is impressive!  Pia went to culinary school in CCA Manila as well as the Culinary Institute of America in New York.  Worked at the World Trade Center and Seaport Hotel in Boston for good 9 years and she also worked as a private chef for several prominent clients in Boston!  Adding up to her sleeves, she currently works as a Chef Consultant and Restaurateur!  The best part?  With her long list of achievements, she looks very young!  (Sorry, have to add this up as I am a beauty blogger anyways!)

Now let's get back to business and let's talk about TYA's Set Menu for Manila's Signature Dishes 2010 made available until December 31, 2010!

Velvet Shrimp Bisque Soup

Creamy shrimp tasting soup mixed with a hint of brandy!  I can taste there's something unique in this soup and I guess that's what a hint of brandy can do!  I actually popped on anti-histamine after this because it's definitely for the Shrimp Lovers!

Bacon Wrapped Fillet Mignon 

with Bleu Cheese Butter

This dish is actually new and the owners will probably add this up to their menu next year!  "A premium dish that brings to mind decadence with the richness of the cheese and indulgence of the bacon using premium cuts of beef" --- According to Chef Pia.

The dish was served well done!  I wasn't asked though how I wanted it to be cooked but it's just timing that I would choose well done anyways!  The Bacon wrapped fillet mignon is a favorite of my husband and this dish was served together with a very unique herbed bread pudding and maple glazed carrots!  I am not a carrot fan but I found myself munching on the lovely carrots.

The dish isn't overwhelming to taste and it's definitely not the regular "thick gravy sauce" most restaurants use, the juiciness of the beef mixed with a hint of sauce are quite sweet to taste!

Vanilla Ice Cream with Sugar Crisps

The original menu set is actually Creme Brule, but it wasn't available that night so we had the Vanilla Ice Cream instead which I don't mind as I haven't had ice cream for the longest time!!!

The restaurant/bar is not as scary as I've imagined with drunken masters that does the Kung Fu snake style action (ok, that's exaggerating!).  But the place is quite friendly and the tables are actually set "fine dining" style!  The only problem with going to TYA Bar & Restaurant is parking space!  It feels like a war zone to look for your space!  

TYA Bar & Restaurant

40 Sgt Esguerra Street

Quezon City, Philippines
Tel. No. (632) 928-8987

Operation hours: 5:00pm to 2:00am Mondays to Saturdays

Can book for special functions on Sunday

This set is available until end of December 2010  Chef Pia told me that they plan to include the Bacon Wrapped Fillet Mignon with Bleu Cheese Butter in their main menu by year 2011 so everyone can give this dish a taste!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy! 

Unilever Foodsolutions (UFS), being the preferred foodservice business partners among restaurateurs, felt the need to acknowledge notable restaurants who are developing Manila as a culinary city.  They have partnerered with select restaurants within the metropolis in coming up with signature dishes.  UFS has synergized with these restaurants, both through dish development and promotion campaign for these signature dishes, in achieving one common goal: coming up with a different culinary experiences that provide value for money and culinary memories for diners.  
 
If you're a restaurateur (or an aspiring one) and in need of help in coming with your signature dish, call (632) 588-8855 or email at foodsolutions.philippines@unilever.com.

Manila's Signature Dishes 2010: Pizza Hut Bistro

The first time I've dined at Pizza Hut Bistro, we got attracted to the said restaurant that was newly opened at Robinson's Galleria several years ago.  I think what attracted us is the "Fine Dining" feel who serves pizza!  I can't seem to remember the exact dishes we ordered but I can still remember how impressed we are in trying out unique pastas in a restaurant with the name "Pizza Hut" attached to it, as we all know, we've always thought pizzas are their only specialty!

Recently, I chanced upon a very unique commercial from Pizza Hut!  Unique in the sense of the pizza flavor they offer!  Lechon Pizza!  Who in the world would have thought that?

I vaguely remember Mr. AMW saying "Try natin!" ("Let's give it a try!").  I usually go "yuck" with anything Lechon but because the husband has always been supportive of my blogging escapades!  I told him: "Why not?"  And silently hoping he'll forget about it!  Sounds unhealthy right?

Would you imagine what fate has done to have brought us to Pizza Hut Bistro to actually try the Lechon Pizza as it is actually part of Manila's Signature Dishes 2010 Campaign made possible by Unilever Food Solutions!  And the "birds started to sing" for the husband!  *laughs*

Olive Garden Salad

Freshly picked lettuce, roasted bell peppers, olives, cucumber 

and herbed croutons, with silky Italian dressing

The Italian dressing, or according to my taste buds, in a more specific term known as vinaigrette!  The lettuces are obviously very fresh and crunchy to taste!  I am not a fan of cucumbers but the texture of all the vegetables included is just right!  Crunchy croutons, cucumber and bell peppers are perfectly drizzled with the right amount of dressing!

The extra fresh peppers made this appetizer even better! 

The appetizer served in this set is actually a wonderful combination because it does not bring a "full feeling" on the stomach.  It's actually refreshing to taste and it gives you the good feeling of eating something healthy prior to something devilish!  *teehee*

Seafood Supremo Pasta

I've always thought there's no way to cook pasta differently until I've tasted the Seafood Supremo Pasta!  It was the most flavorful pasta I've tasted in my entire life to date!

The secret? Fettuccine served al dente mixed with creamy tomato sauce, with generous servings of shrimps, squid and scallops topped with capers and basil!  The secret of it being flavorful?  After cooking the pasta, it was baked in parchment paper to seal in all seafood flavors! Smart!

Lechon Pizza 

Pizza Hut's classic rust smothered with layers of traditional lechon sauce, premium lechon meat, mozzarella cheese, and garlic roasted to sweetness.  A generous portion of that crispy lechon skin is neatly arranged on top for a truly appetizing gourmet meal.

According to Edgar, the General Manager of Pizza Hut, "We surveyed people within Metro Manila for an 'a-ha' food moment for Christmas at Pizza Hut and the results came out with something very Filipino --- Lechon!" Indeed, it was a very effective survey because you see a lot of customers trying this out and find this pizza quite intriguing!  Cholesterol-infested meal, YES, but that's the reason why Pizza Hut launched this for the Christmas Season because it's the season to be jolly!  The season to forget about diet!  *I agree!*

I, who originally thought I will just take one bite and leave the rest of the food tasting to the husband, actually took more than 1 bite!  It's surprisingly good and not drizzled with oil at all!  The medium-crust (in between thin crust and thick crust) is just right to house the Lechon meat!  A hint of Lechon sauce works perfectly with cheese!  They actually serve a separate sauce for you to dip in more "Lechon sauce" but I prefer to have mine the way it was originally served!  The crunchy Lechon Skin actually retained its crunchiness even after minutes of exposure!

The whole set costs Php799.00 (approx $18.58), good for 2 or even 3 people!  I suggest trying this as fast as you can as the set won't be available long!

Pizza Hut Bistro has this really nice feel of fine dining and yet you don't feel intimidated at all!  Prices are quite affordable and you get to try different flavorful dishes most regular Pizza Hut Restaurants do not serve! 

Pizza Hut Bistro

Glorietta 4, Ayala Center

Makati, Philippines
Tel. no: (632) 818-8939

Have you tried this unique pizza?
What other Filipino dish flavor would you like to taste in a pizza?

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Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Unilever Foodsolutions (UFS), being the preferred foodservice business partners among restaurateurs, felt the need to acknowledge notable restaurants who are developing Manila as a culinary city.  They have partnerered with select restaurants within the metropolis in coming up with signature dishes.  UFS has synergized with these restaurants, both through dish development and promotion campaign for these signature dishes, in achieving one common goal: coming up with a different culinary experiences that provide value for money and culinary memories for diners.  
 
If you're a restaurateur (or an aspiring one) and in need of help in coming with your signature dish, call (632) 588-8855 or email at foodsolutions.philippines@unilever.com.

Manila's Signature Dishes 2010: Outback Steakhouse

If you are a long time reader of my "Weekend Food Tripping" posts, you'd probably notice that I am not much of a steak eater and I don't order a lot of steaks because I am a fan of white meat and seafood!  That explains why I got to have allergies on the dishes mentioned above! 

I am not at all worried when I learned Outback Steakhouse is part of Manila's Signature Dishes 2010!  I have a husband to take photos for me and I have a husband who'll guide me in identifying the right kind of steak or how delicious steaks should get!

Outback Steakhouse started its operations on September 1997.  That was the exact year I graduated in high school and I remembered my friends going there for celebrations or simple get together!  

We weren't able to meet the Managing Partner, Dan Keven Co, because it was a busy Sunday night when me and the other food bloggers visited the restaurant.  I learned by reading his biography that Dan is a 13-year Outbacker, meaning, he steadily rose from the ranks to become a trainer, an international opening team member, key employee, Kitchen Manager, Restaurant Manager and currently, the Managing Partner of Outback Makati by the year 2007.  Talk about passion and you can definitely taste that in the dishes they serve!

Each customer gets to taste the in house bread served with butter as a complimentary appetizer!  Outback Steakhouse's Manila's Signature Dishes 2010 set includes a glass of Casillero del Diablo wine.

Soup of the Day - Creamy Onion

I like surprises, and the soup of the day is actually called Creamy Onion which I originally thought was Cream of Mushroom with cheese toppings!  Yes, I have no imagination at all!  *laughs*

My tongue won't lie though, at first bite, I can taste cheese, cream and strips of onions which was confirmed by the waitress and it was quite a nice surprise to the usual creamy soup offered in most restaurants.  Bear in mind that this soup is quite heavy so I prefer not to finish it all and leave room for main dish!

Crispy Calamari Salad

Crispy fried calamari drizzled with garlic aioli dressing and served over 

a mix of fresh romaine lettuce, cabbage, carrots, cucumbers and tomatoes.  

The calamari at first bite is not that crispy because it took us time to take photos before we finally took the plunge!  But the generous servings of Calamari matched the dressing, the fresh vegetables and it's very light to taste.  None of the ingredients overwhelmed each other!

Beef Tenderloin with 

Mustard Demiglace and Bearnaise

6 oz. of imported beef tenderloin medallion, seasoned and seared to perfection, served on a bed of mustard demiglace and topped with Bearnaise sauce.  Served with a side of oven-roasted seasonal vegetables and pesto garlic mashed potatoes topped with Parmesan shreds and thyme.

Cooked almost well done but the meat is actually soft to bite!  I don't have the need to keep on grinding my teeth as its so juicy it almost melts into my mouth!  The dish is best eaten with the Pesto overloaded mashed potatoes!  The oven roasted vegetables are sweet to taste! 

Desserts compliments from the Chef!

A miniature version of Mango and Kiwi Cheesecake, Thunder from Down Under Chocolate Cake and Banana cake with caramel made us look like kids opening up Christmas presents!  My favorite is the Mango and Kiwi Cheesecake while hubby's favorite is the super rich Chocolate Cake!  The rest of the food bloggers enjoyed the Banana cake so it's obvious that all 3 are winners!

Outback Steakhouse located at Glorietta 4, Makati has always been a wonderful ambiance for that gathering for friends or family who loves steak!  The ambiance is quite relaxed and servers are very prompt with your orders and always quick to attend your needs. 

Outback Steakhouse

Glorietta 4, Makati

Daily: 11:00am-3:00am

Tel. no.: (632) 729-8458/ (632) 729-8459

Most servings are good to share to take with you your dear friends and loved ones!  What else can I enjoy here aside from steaks?  I took a peak at other customers' orders *LOL* and seems like their seafood looks delish!  After 2010....need to burn more calories!  *hehehe*

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Unilever Foodsolutions (UFS), being the preferred foodservice business partners among restaurateurs, felt the need to acknowledge notable restaurants who are developing Manila as a culinary city.  They have partnerered with select restaurants within the metropolis in coming up with signature dishes.  UFS has synergized with these restaurants, both through dish development and promotion campaign for these signature dishes, in achieving one common goal: coming up with a different culinary experiences that provide value for money and culinary memories for diners.  

 

If you're a restaurateur (or an aspiring one) and in need of help in coming with your signature dish, call (632) 588-8855 or email at foodsolutions.philippines@unilever.com.