ClickTheCity

Category: Food & Drink

  • Your Guide to Must-Try Pizzas in Manila This 2022

    The debate on what makes a good pizza still stands. What really makes it worth trying? There are three important elements of a pizza but for me, the crust plays an important role as it’s the foundation of a pizza. It has to be thick enough to hold the toppings well, has a slight crunch but is also chewy, and of course, it has to be tasty even as is. There are a bunch of places where you can get a good slice of pizza in the metro but it can get overwhelming at times. Here, we list down pizzas that’s worth checking out this year:

    Backyard Pugon

    Backyard Pugon 1
    Backyard Pugon 2

    Started as a passion project in his backyard (hence, the name), Backyard Pugon churns out sourdough pizza in small batches. He is after all a one-man team! There are six kinds of pizzas and get this, each of them has been calorie- and macro-counted which is perfect for those who are looking to indulge while sticking to their diet. Aside from pizza-making, taco pockets and char-grilled kebabs are also available. He even asks his customers for topping ideas for future flavors at times.

    What To Order: Margherita (P300), BYP Creamy Spinach (P450)
    Order here.

    Crosta Pizzeria

    Pizzas in Manila
    crosta 3

    What used to be a small pizzeria tucked inside a food park in the heart of Poblacion, Crosta has now relocated to a more chic neighborhood that is Salcedo Village. I’ve tried a number of pizza places in Manila but Crosta still has my heart. Crosta only has one goal and that’s to make pizza great again! They offer quality pies with quirky names like Pepperonely, Pork You, and Everyday We Trufflin’. I remember they only had less than 10 on their menu when I first encountered them but now they have grown to 50 pies to choose from, with Vegan options available.

    What To Order: Basic Betch (300), Cheesy AF (Stuffed Crust), Detroit Roni Cup (P700),
    Order here.

    EAPPOC Pizza

    Pizzas in Manila
    eappoc2

    You may be wondering what EAPPOC means so to save you a Google, it means “easy as pie, piece of cake”. They’re one of the pizza places in the metro that specializes in Detroit-style with a pizza crust that’s crispy on the outside and thick and fluffy on the inside. They have classic flavors like the OG Red and Pep but they also have more unique flavors like The Russian and Piña Express. Who says pineapple doesn’t belong in pizzas?! Their offerings are on the pricey side though, ranging from P585 to P2,500.

    What To Order: Ratatouille (P950), Cacio y Pepe (P1,200), The Russian (P2,500)
    Order here.

    Gino’s Brick Oven Pizza

    Gino
    Gino 2

    It’s never a pizza list without Gino’s on it. In 2020, they landed the 34th spot on the list of 50 Best Pizzas in the World, and the second-best pizza in Asia. Their made-from-scratch Neapolitan-style pizzas are baked in-house with over 20 flavors to choose from. Make sure to get some fresh burrata on the side that’s also made in-house!

    What To Order: BOMB Pizza (P455), SMEGG Pizza (P520)
    Order here.

    Pizzulu

    Pizzulu 2
    Pizzulu

    A pizzeria that intrigues me the most because of how fast it grew during the pandemic, Pizzulu started as a 30sqm commissary in San Juan. It has then turned into a 600sqm one, and now they’ve recently opened a new branch in BGC to cater to more people. They specialize in brick oven pizzas with 14 kinds to choose from — ranging from the classics to more premium ones.

    What To Order: Spinach & Artichoke Pizza (P670), Prosciutto & Arugula Pizza (P670)
    Order here.

  • McDonald’s Flavors of Asia: Bringing the best of both worlds in a tasty comeback

    The main thing that crossovers have taught us is that they are always exciting, out of the ordinary, but most of all, rare. It’s not always that we get to see our favorite music artists partner for an epic duet, and it surely never gets old when we witness crossovers in superhero movies.

    Now, McDonald’s is jumping into that crossover world with the most satisfying and delectable collaboration of flavors and cultures possible – with the Flavors of Asia, bringing you the best of both worlds of Japanese and Korean flavors!

    McDonald's Flavors of Asia: Bringing the best of both worlds in a tasty comeback

    Flavors of Asia also actually serves as a comeback – fans of Japanese cuisine will remember McDonald’s Flavors of Japan, served all the way back in 2019; while McDonald’s served a treat once more just last year with the Taste of Korea. But to make things oh-so-satisfying, this exciting crossover is here to let everyone enjoy the best of both worlds.

    Combining the fan-favorite Japanese and Korean-inspired meals together, bite into Flavors of Asia’s savory flavors of the Ebi Burger, boasting a tempura-coated shrimp patty paired with tangy Thousand Island sauce and lettuce (and the perfect Lent-friendly choice!); and the K-Chicken Burger that lets you enjoy a crispy chicken filet with creamy cheddar cheese and served with kimchi and gochujang dressing that will surely tickle and satisfy your tastebuds, with both burgers housed between black and white sesame seed buns.

    As with all epic crossovers, your burgers need partners, too – pick among their Shake Shake Fries coming in the Nori variant, for those looking for a sweet and salty, seaweed-flavored twist, and Honey Butter, suitable for those craving a sweet take on their World-Famous Fries; and finally, cool down with Flavors of Asia’s Strawberry Banana Sundae drizzled in sweet strawberry banana syrup and the Matcha Sundae for that delectable green tea-inspired taste!

    Can’t decide whether you’re looking for Japanese or Korean flavors? Have both in a snap and never have to choose! Experience the best of both Japanese and Korean worlds with McDonald’s Flavors of Asia, available through Dine-In, Take-Out, Drive-Thru, and McDelivery starting March 2!

    To make things more exciting for enthusiasts of all things Japanese and Korean, on March 1, a day before its official launch, make sure to be on the lookout for an exclusive one-day early access to the K-Chicken Burger, Ebi Burger, Strawberry Banana Sundae, and Matcha Sundae, only available at the McDonald’s App! 

    To avail of this exciting offer, just open your McDonald’s App, locate the tile for Flavors of Asia, claim your stub, and present it at your nearest McDonald’s branch when you order via Dine-In, Take-Out, or Drive-Thru.

    For more updates, make sure to follow McDonald’s Philippines on Facebook and @McDo_PH on Twitter and Instagram.

  • Red Ribbon’s Bread Rolls to Satisfy Your Savory & Sweet Cravings

    Do you prefer your bread’s filling to be sweet or savory? Red Ribbon, the brand known for its delectable cakes brings you the best of both worlds with its latest lineup of Bread Rolls! If you’re seeking for delicious and affordable bread rolls to sink your teeth into the next time you’re on a snack break, then they’ve got you covered with six options to choose from.

    Red Ribbon Bread Rolls

    Red Ribbon’s Savory Bread Rolls include the Asado Bread Rolls filled with tender braised pork swimming in a sweet and savory sauce; the Chicken Floss crowned with a heap of chicken meat floss and flavorful meat spread; and the Spicy Chicken Floss with a bit of a kick that suits the lovers of spice out there.

    The sweet-toothed folks out there are also in for a treat with the Sweet Bread Rolls, including the Raisin Bread Rolls which offer soft and sweet pieces of raisins in every bite; the Chocolate Bread Rolls with their signature chocolate chunks; and the yummy Yema Bread Rolls filled with a rich yema caramel filling.

    The Asado and Yema Bread Rolls are available in Luzon only, with the rest of the bread rolls available nationwide. The Savory Bread Rolls are priced at P65 per pack, the Chocolate and Raisin Bread Rolls are P25 a pack, and the Yema Bread Rolls are available for P55 per pack. Each pack contains four pieces of bread rolls.

    For more information, visit the Red Ribbon Facebook and Instagram pages.

    —
    Homestream image from Red Ribbon on Instagram.

  • Randy’s Donuts of Los Angeles is Heading to the Philippines Soon!

    Randy’s giant rooftop donut in Los Angeles attracts droves of people and beckons them to have a bite of this delicious concoction, so much so that it has become one of the USA’s iconic locations. 

    Randys Donuts of Los Angeles is Heading to the Philippines Soon 1

    Now, the world-famous donut brand is opening in the Philippines this April at the Uptown Parade BGC, beside Denny’s.  This early, there is so much buzz going around from food lovers who can’t wait to have a taste of Randy’s. 

    Expect the widely-touted fluffier, airier and larger donuts that stay fresh longer in over 40 flavors when it launches here.  From its signature Classic Glazed Raised to deluxe, fancy, and premium varieties such as S’mores, Fruit Loops Raised, Apple Fritter, Butter Crumb, Jelly Raspberry, Cake Sprinkles, and Maple Raised with Churros, Randy’s will make your taste buds dance happily!  

    Randys Donuts of Los Angeles is Heading to the Philippines Soon 2
    Randys Donuts of Los Angeles is Heading to the Philippines Soon 3

    Randy’s Donuts can be spotted in movies such as The  Avengers where Tony Stark was seen inside a Randy’s  donut hole. Its exterior has been used in Arrested Development, Masked Rider, Entourage, The Golden Child, Get Shorty, Problem Child 2, Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles, The Kissing Booth and Runaways among other movies. How cool is that! 

    Founded 70 years ago, Randy’s has grown exponentially over the years.  It has locations in Inglewood, El Segundo, Downey, Saudi Arabia.

    Randy’s is the latest brand under The Bistro Group, one of the country’s biggest restaurant chains.

  • Score 30% Off on Bistro Delivers Until February 28! 

    From February 23 to 28, The Bistro Group is offering a 30% OFF discount on all Bistro Delivers orders plus FREE delivery valid for both delivery and pick up transactions with no minimum requirements! So easy to avail.  Just use BISTRO30 code at checkout and you’re off to feasting on your favorite dishes.

    Omnibus People PowerStory 1

    This special promo is open to all Bistro Group and Bistronomia concepts. That means that the choices are extensive with dishes that satisfy different cravings.  There are burgers, ribs,  wings, pancakes and all-time breakfast fare, sushi, pizza, pasta, dimsum, Korean BBQ, steaks, lobsters, fish and seafood, flame-grilled chicken, paellas, callos and other soulful Spanish cuisines such as Las Flores, BCN by Las Flores, Tomatito and Rambla & innovative and creative dishes from Chef Josh Boutwood’s Savage and The Test Kitchen.

    Simply place orders via the Bistro Delivers app http://onelink.to/25zuvt and webstore www.bistrodelivers.com.ph. Follow @thebistrogroup.

  • Simpol Cookbooks by Chef Tatung to Hit National Bookstore this March 

    For the first time ever, the best-selling cookbook series by celebrity chef Myke “Tatung” Sarthou, will soon be available in physical stores. The three “Simpol” books will hit the shelves of National Bookstore branches beginning this March. The Philippines’ largest bookstore chain will now include the award-winning Simpol: The Cookbook, its follow-up Simpol Kitchen Secrets, and the latest Baking Simpol among its titles. 

    Simpol Baking Simpol Cover 1

    “Now, cooking is not only simple. It’s more accessible, too, thanks to this pioneering partnership between National Bookstore and Vertikal Books,” says Tatung. “I’m excited to reach more home cooks by moving beyond our online channels. 

    Restaurateur Chef Tatung published Simpol: The Cookbook in 2020 following his successful foray into online content creation. The combined followers of his social media channels are now near two million subscribers. His latest authored works, published by Vertikal Books, were also exclusively available before on e-commerce platforms. 

    Simpol P 103 Lemon Meringue Pie 1

    Tatung’s books feature his mastery of multimedia production which makes for a unique reading experience. Published recipes include QR codes that lead readers to online videos showing actual step-by-step demonstrations. His unique approach to recipe-writing, which divides ingredients and procedures into manageable sets, also makes for a fool-proof application. 

    In-store retail is only the first of Tatung’s planned excursions to offline touchpoints. He will soon be touring malls for live cooking, autograph signing, and face- to-face interactions with his readers. 

    Vertikal Books is a boutique press specializing in the creative nonfiction genre, specifically culinary content. Chef Tatung’s previous works have won the prestigious World Gourmand Awards in Paris, France, and have also been featured in the Germany-based Frankfurt Book Fair, one of the largest and oldest trade fairs for books and content in the world.

  • GUIDE: Where to Get Tasty Banana Bread in Manila

    It’s easy to spot a good banana bread — soft, moist, and delicious. Some prefer a classic one, but there are other ones in the market with chocolate chips or walnut for a more indulgent treat. Whether you like to enjoy it on its own, with a smear of butter, or a scoop of ice cream, there’s just something about this baked treat that’s tasty and comforting! Here, we list down shops where you can get your banana bread fix in the metro:

    Bake On PH

    What To Buy: Banana Bread Trio (P260)
    How To Buy: Visit their Instagram

    Baked by the J’s

    What To Buy: Double Daring Chocolate Chip (P280)
    How To Buy: Visit their Instagram

    Baked Eat

    What To Buy: Walnut Craze Banana Cake (P480)
    How To Buy: Visit their Instagram

    Banana Bread & Revel Bars by L

    What To Buy: Banana Walnut + Belgian Chocolate (P365); Banana Bread with Belgian Chocolate (P320)
    How To Buy: Join their Viber community here.

    Mad Batter Co

    What To Buy: Assorted Mini Banana Loaves (P375/box of 6; P725/box of 12)
    How To Buy: Visit their Instagram

    Mom & Tina’s

    What To Buy: Chocolate Chip Banana Bread (P295)
    How To Buy: Visit their website

    The Manila Baker

    What To Buy: Ultimate Banana Cake (P1,100)
    How To Buy: Visit their Instagram

    Wildflour

    Banana Bread in Manila

    What To Buy: Banana Bread (P1,000/box of 8)
    How To Buy: Visit their website

  • Starbucks Philippines Offers New Digital Services to Enhance Customer Experience

    Starbucks Philippines recently launched three new services that bridge both physical and digital experiences. With customer convenience and safety in mind, Starbucks Philippines makes ordering easy, contactless and rewarding. Partnering with leading e-wallet platform, GCash, the first of these services include gifting of digital Starbucks gift certificates through GLife. In addition, the company now allows Starbucks Rewards members to collect Stars with purchases from the official Starbucks LazMall Flagship Store on Lazada, and expanded their Mobile Order & Pay features with new pickup options.

    Send Starbucks eGifts through GLife on Gcash

    GLife

    For little occasions that deserve something extra, sending a Starbucks eGift is now just a tap away. Customers can order and send Starbucks eGifts starting at Php 300 through GLife on GCash. Customers can choose to share Starbucks eGifts through messaging apps and redeem by showing the eGift QR code to pay for drinks, food or merchandise in any Starbucks store in the Philippines. For more information, visit https://starbuckscard.ph/sbcard/egift or through https://gcashapp.page.link/Starbucks via mobile. 

    Collect Stars with purchases from the official Starbucks LazMall flagship store on Lazada

    Starbucks

    Starbucks now gives Starbucks Rewards members more reasons to collect merchandise from the comfort of their own homes. Members who link their accounts to Lazada will earn 1 Star for every P25 spent on purchases from the Starbucks LazMall Flagship Store.To link a Starbucks Rewards account, customers can simply click the ‘Member’ tab found in the Starbucks LazMall Flagship Store, and sign-in using a registered Starbucks Rewards email and password. For more information, visit https://starbuckscard.ph/sbcard/faq.  

    Try new ways to pick up favorites with Starbucks Mobile Order & Pay

    Mobile Order Pay

    Mobile Order & Pay allows Starbucks Rewards members to place orders ahead of their visit and pick up at their chosen Starbucks store, all within the Starbucks app. The app estimates wait time. When their order is ready, the customer can simply breeze in and get their order from the handoff. For more information, visit https://starbuckscard.ph/sbcard/orderandpay. 

    “We’re very proud of how our partners (employees) consistently deliver an unparalleled store experience. With the pandemic and customer’s shift to digital channels, our goal is to continuously transform the Starbucks Experience and provide innovative ways whether a customer chooses to connect with us at a store or through an app,” said Jamie Silva, Senior Manager for Marketing, Digital Customer Experience & Loyalty at Starbucks Philippines.

  • Celebrate Strawberry Day with These 7 Desserts in Metro Manila

    In case you didn’t know, February 27 is National Strawberry Day! Of course, the best way to celebrate this occasion is to dive into the sweet and tart fruit not just in its purest form but also in the many ways it is transformed into delectable desserts! With Strawberry Day coming up, we’ve rounded up seven strawberry desserts around the metro that you might want to celebrate with!

    Cupid’s Strawberry Chantilly

    by Butternut Bakery

    This beautiful cake that’s currently available for pre-order until February 28, offers 8-inch vanilla sponge layers with Butternut Bakery’s luscious berry compote and melt-in-your-mouth créme chantilly, topped with a generous heap of fresh flowers, more berries, 24k gold flakes, and so much more!

    Order here.

    Fancy Pants Ice Cream

    by Bubu Bars

    If you want a quick snack with some strawberry goodness, this popsicle from Bubu Bars is worth biting into. It is made with a sweet and tart 100% vegan ice cream blended with roasted strawberries, and covered in thick Auro 77% single origin dark chocolate. Making each stick even more eye-popping are the Freeze dried strawberries topped over the chocolate coating.

    Order here.

    Strawberry Cream Cheese Pancakes & Waffles

    by Single Origin

    Strawberry can even become more crave-worthy with the right combination of cream cheese. All-day breakfast cafe Single Origin offers pancakes and waffles with the best of both worlds, topping them with whipped cream cheese, maple syrup, and slices of delicious strawberries.

    Order here.

    Strawberry Milk Pies

    by Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory

    Known for their treats infused with Hokkaido Milk and the world’s best cheeses, Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory recently put a spin on their beloved milk pies! Introducing the Strawberry Milk Pie, a flaky puff pastry with a rich Hokkaido milk and strawberry filling that bursts into your mouth in every bite!

    Order here.

    Strawberry Rose Cake

    by Bizu Patisserie

    Here’s another pretty cake that’s perfect as a gift for someone or just for yourself. The Strawberry Rose Cake is a 6-inch by 5-inch cake made with layers of moist sponge cake, chantilly cream, strawberry sauce, and rose essence. Crowning this pastel pink treat are Rose Macaron de Paris and meringue.

    Order here.

    Strawberry Dreamcake

    by Le Sucre Lab

    Le Sucre Lab offers dreamy and delectable cakes in cans that are too tempting not to dive into! Their Strawberry Dreamcake delivers luscious layers of pillowy chiffon cake, fresh strawberries, and strawberry cream that will turn into reality your sweetest strawberry dreams!

    Order here.

    Strawberry Shortcake

    by Vizco’s

    Why not celebrate Strawberry Day with something more classic and with an esteemed reputation? Fortunately for us Manila folks, Baguio’s Vizco’s opened two branches in Metro Manila late last year. Of course, their famous Strawberry Shortcake is a no-brainer choice for cake fans, with its rich fusion of luscious cream and strawberries that will surely indulge anyone’s sweet tooth.

    Locations: Lower Ground Floor, SM Megamall, Building A / SM North Edsa, Annex

    Stay in the loop and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

    —
    Homestream images from Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory and Butternut Bakery.

  • The Peninsula Manila’s Asian Restaurant Spices Finally Reopens

    Cheers! Indoor and al fresco dining is back in Spices restaurant of The Peninsula Manila.

    With the ambience of an exotic spice market, it is the perfect place to enjoy fresh and authentic Southeast Asian cuisine in a beautiful setting. Sip a delicious cocktail at the al fresco tables of  Spices Garden or the glass-walled pavilion while admiring the outdoor pool or savor signature dishes like Yam Pla Duk Fu (Crispy catfish salad), Tom Kha Gai (Coconut-poached chicken soup with lemongrass, kaffir lime and galangal), Asam Goreng (Beef short ribs with tamarind sauce), and Spices classic Nali Rogan Josh (Aromatic lamb shank). Vegans can also enjoy delicious “Naturally Peninsula” plant-based selections in the cool and inviting interiors, decorated in natural materials such as bamboo, rattan and coconut.

    mNA3UI6BphR5rdk8VNE9A5GILRyVDtNevfPuICznFnxMbbS8rtM8EZw 8 nw5p7hmP1Hgs HHurqZlvyDv Et20L8xdiYLMjf022 p8C0mjLBesRaU1m6 CNn D5JBfQfp0Ynf3N

    Spices is open Wednesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner.

    For inquiries and table reservations, please call The Peninsula Manila at +63 2 8887 2888 (ext. 6694 for Restaurant Reservations), mobile +63 917 557 8014, or email diningpmn@peninsula.com. Or visit https://www.peninsula.com/en/manila/hotel-fine-dining/spices-asian-cuisine-restaurant.