OUR AWESOME PLANET

LOOP, Creative Dining

LOOP is the restaurant school of the Institute of Culinary Arts and Food Service (ICF).  The name is based on the Infinity symbol, which represents "elegant flourish in Calligraphy and fine cuisine". But I think it got its name from its location in the new FEU Building along Zuellig Loop, Buendia.

The restaurant is great for a first date (as it is very conducive to conversation), or for eating dinner before watching a play at the Carlos P. Romulo Theater in RCBC Plaza across it.  LOOP is open until 10pm.

Wee Nam Kee, Wee!

UPDATE: Wee Nam Kee's Hainanese Chicken Rice Now in Manila!

My favorite places for Hainanese Chicken Rice in Singapore are Boon Tong Kee, Chatterbox in Meritus Mandarin along Orchard, and Wee Nam Kee (WNK for short) in Novena.  Finally, Wee Nam Kee is opening in Manila this November, tucked inside the Ayala Triangle Gardens.

In Manila, Tao Yuan is the undisputed king of Hainanese Chicken Rice but you have to pay P450+ for 1/2 chicken and order a separate serving of chicken rice for P100+.  Wee Nam Kee's Hainanese Chicken will debut at a price point of only P170+. The price of Shiok but with the quality of Tao Yuan -- how can you beat that?

Foodies are definitely excited to welcome The Best Hainanese Chicken Rice in Singapore, now in Manila!

Krazy Garlik - A Celebration of Everything Garlicky

Finally, a garlic-themed restaurant showcasing the different flavors of garlic has opened in Manila. The Bistro group (think Friday's) got the great insight that Filipinos love garlic. In fact, my friend Ardy had a garlic-themed restaurant concept before, but it just never materialized.

Le Bistro Vert, "The Green Bistro"

Nothing beats starting your day with a healthy breakfast. The energy that you get from healthy food sets the tone for a great day.

Wabi-Sabi's Fernando Pho Jr. vs. Ramen Padilla

One of the unique restaurants hidden inside Malugay's The Collective is Wabi-Sabi, the owner Ibarra's Vegetarian Noodle House.

When in Glorietta, Go Greek!

Go Greek's Lamb Kebab Platter

Gelatissimo, Best Gelato in Cebu and Manila?

When a friend told me that Gelatissimo is the best gelato in Manila, I was determined to try it for myself. I got tired of tasting just-another-frozen-yogurt-or-gelato-store out there but Gelatissimo made a big impression. For me, in the gelato arena, the best ones are:

• Amici's Gelato (same as with Cara Mia)
• Gelatone's Gelato (same as Pagliacci)
• Angelati's Gelato
• Dolce Gelato in Mall of Asia
• Gelatissimo Chain with its first branch in Cebu

I'm gearing up for a poll soon for the Best Gelato, Frozen Yogurt, or Ice Cream in the Metro, so please do let me know if there is a Gelato store out there worth including in the list...

Lomo Manila's Happy Eaters Bowler Meet

Bowler's Pork Chops (P345 +10%sc). Old-English chops baked to perfection, topped with apple-sage sauce. Served with roasted vegetables, choice of mashed potatoes or rice pilaf.

We usually eat out as a family but, occasionally, we dine out with different foodies in Manila. We met one of the coolest foodie groups last night -- Lomo Manila's Happy Eaters. We were supposed to meet in the latest chocolate place and go-karting destination in the heart of Makati but both establishments had some delays in opening. We ended up at Bowler's Restaurant, an English Pub/watering hole with a fine dining ambiance and menu.