Food shorts: P88 menu, mooncakes, new lunch dishes

MANILA -- Check out some of the latest news and promos in the local food scene. 

These are not endorsed by ABS-CBN News. 

1. DIAMOND HOTEL HOLDS MEXICAN FOOD FEST

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Explore the earthy flavors of Mexico in this culinary event which runs from September 13-19 at the Corniche restaurant of Diamond Hotel Philippines. 
 
The buffet, which is available for lunch and dinner for P2,880 nett per person, includes starters like the Margarita Granita with Spicy Shrimp, Piquillo Peppers Stuffed with Manchego, and Huevos Diablos, as well chicken quesadilla. Meat dishes include beef fajitas stuffed with onions and peppers, pork carnitas, pork taquitos and beef flautas dipped in smooth guacamole.
 
Mexican desserts include Arroz con Leche, Flan Napolitano with caramel, Manzanas Almendradas and Cinnamon Churros with chocolate sauce. 
 
As a special treat, Mexican nationals and Mexican embassy employees are entitled to a discount at the dinner buffet. 

2. P88 MENU AT 8CUTS FOR BIRTHDAY PROMO

 

 

 

 

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The burger joint 8Cuts celebrates its sixth year with a special one-day-only P88 menu. On September 12, diners can enjoy these 8Cuts favorites for only P88: 1/4 lb. cheeseburger, 6-pieces garlic parmesan wings, and 6-pieces Them Buffalo Wings.

In addition, 8Cuts will also bring back its Bleu Burgers for a day. 

The birthday promo will be running throughout the day or until supplies last and is available for dine-in orders. A maximum of two orders per person is allowed. 

3. KUMORI INTRODUCES FUWARI CHEESE CUP

This three-layered treat takes Kumori’s famous cheesecake, then adds two more layers -- a fluffy mid-layer of sponge cake, and a crunchy biscuit base. Smooth and rich cheesecake, highlighted with butter cake, with additional texture from the crispy crumble -- all in a cup. 

Kumori Bakery has branches in SM Makati, Landmark Makati, SM North Edsa, UP Town Center, Ayala Malls Cloverleaf, SM Mall of Asia, Robinson’s Galleria, and Robinson’s Ermita. 

4. NEW LUNCH DISHES AT TGIFRIDAYS

TGIFridays has recently launced new offerings for lunch. The Crispy Salted Egg Chicken (P295) puts a twist on the classic chicken fillet and is served with garlic rice and sriracha for a kick of spice. The Ponzu Glazed Bone-in Pork Loin (P325) features TGIFridays’ take on the Japanese sauce, while the Tempura Crusted Fish (P325), fillet of fish in tempura batter and fried to a crisp, is served with pico de gallo and garlic rice. 

Aside from the three popular specials, guests can still enjoy old favorites like Country Chicken Cutlet and Grilled Blackened Porkchop. Lunch-goers can add iced tea for P50 to their meal along with a salad for just P95. 

TGIFridays also added five new dishes to its all-day menu: Tostada Nachos with chili beef, assorted cheeses, jalapenos and sour cream; Blackened Chicken Alfredo if you’re in the mood for pasta; two new flatbreads, Scallops and Crab Stick Flatbread and Chicken BBQ and Jalapeno; and the Espresso Jelly Panna Cotta. 

5. BULGOGI BROTHERS SERVES SEOUL-STYLE LUNCH MEALS

Bulgogi Brothers recently launched its Seoul-style lunch meals.
The Korean Beef Bowl has marinated Korean style beef and an array of vegetables, while the Pork BBQ Bowl is made with the restaurant’s signature pork BBQ stir fry, and vegetables. There is also the Curry Chicken Bowl and the Crispy Fish Bowl, crispy pan-fried fish over a bed of rice and vegetables. These rice bowls come with five side dishes, topped with sunny side up and are available weekdays only, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Meanwhile, Bulgogi Brothers also came up with BBQ pairings that are good for three persons. There’s the Beef Big Grill which is a set of bone-in short ribs marinated in special bulgogi sauce and seasoned with salt and pepper. Bulgogi Bibimbap has mixed rice topped with vegetables, egg and bulgogi, whileGalbi Tang is a bigger and bolder version of Bulgogi Brothers’ traditional beef short ribs soup. These BBQ pairings come with five kinds of side dishes and steamed egg, and are available on weekdays from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Bulgogi Brothers Alabang Town Center and Mall of Asia branches only. 

6. CELEBRATE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL WITH MOONCAKES

Several hotels are celebrating the Mid-Autumn festival with premium mooncakes. Mooncakes are an expression of harmony and best wishes. Its round shape, taking after the shape of a full moon, symbolizes abundance, completeness, and togetherness for those who share the treat. 

The Mid-Autumn festival goes way back thousands of years and it has always been a celebration of unity and togetherness. This has then created the tradition of exchanging mooncake among families and households, symbolizing stronger filial ties.

Over at Li Li at AG New World Manila Bay Hotel, mooncakes are available in Red Bean Filling, Red Lotus Filling, White Lotus Filling, Five Seeds and in combination of all flavors. They can be bought per piece at P588, in an elegant box of four at P1,988 or a box of 4 with wine for P2,488.

Meanwhile, available until September 24 at Crystal Dragon and Café Society at City of Dreams are traditional mooncakes with white lotus paste and double egg yolk filling in a soft pastry, which are offered at P3,988 nett for a box of four.
 

At Shangri-La at the Fort, Manila's Canton Road marries classic and contemporary flavors in its sweet and savory collection. Flaky Pineapple, White Lotus with Salted Egg Yolk, Flaky Red Bean with Pine Nuts and Mixed Nuts round up the traditional selection, while the contemporary contenders Red Velvet and Black Forest flavors complete the menu. Prices for the individual mooncakes are priced at P388++ per piece. 

The hotel also has a mooncake counterat the lobby selling custom Shangri-La mooncake boxes. The Classic box comes with 8 miniature mooncakes and is priced at P2,888++, while the Deluxe box comes with 12 miniature mooncakes and is priced at P3,988++. 

Finally, TWG Tea offers the Moonlight Tea Time Set featuring tea-infused sandwiches and canapés along with a choice of Snowskin Mooncake from the White Sky Tea Mooncake Collection. Complete the meal with a pot of White Sky Tea. Available until September 23, the Moonlight Tea Time Set is priced at P1,150.

7. CBTL HAS NEW MATCHA DRINKS

In line with its 15th anniversary in the Philippines, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf levels up on the matcha craze with the launch of three new limited-edition drinks, which are available starting this week. 

For macchiato fans, try the Matcha Macchiato for a smack of new flavor on the palate. Available hot or over ice, this fusion of matcha green tea, steamed milk, and espresso will surely hit the spot and offer a new way to enjoy the classic macchiato. 

The Matcha Affogato Ice Blended is the latest addition to CBTL’s Ice Blended line, a hybrid of the Matcha Green Tea Ice Blended with cream and a shot of espresso. 

For those who like their drinks decaf, the Matcha Raspberry is a caffeine-free creation resulting from the infusion of subtle hints of raspberry and the distinctive taste of matcha. 

The Matcha Macchiato and Matcha Raspberry lattes start at P155, while the Matcha Affogato and Matcha Raspberry Ice Blended start at P185.

8. COSTA COFFEE BRINGS BACK FROSTINO WEDNESDAY

Costa Coffee brings back its popular Frostino Wednesday promotion this month! Coffee lovers can enjoy their favorite signature ice-blended Frostinos for only P100 every Wednesday of September.

On September 12, enjoy Caramel Coffee Crunch that’s swirled and topped with chocolate and caramel for only P100. Tiramisu Frostino will be on offer on September 19; and Toasted Almond Mocha on September 26.

9. SEATTLE'S BEST COFFEE LAUNCHES DESSERT LINE

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Seattle’s Best Coffee is introducing three new limited-edition SBC Just Desserts beverages, available in hot mocha or ice-blended Javakula.

Triple Chocolate has three times the chocolate, with chocolate powder, chocolate sauce, and chocolate whipped cream, and topped off with a fudge bar. In Campfire S’mores, Seattle’s Best turns this favorite into a beverage topped off with toasted marshmallow and graham crackers plus a sprinkling of shortbread syrup and chocolate drizzle. The sweet-salty Hazelnut Cheesecake is made from layers of crushed graham, dark chocolate syrup and cheesecake whipped cream. 

The SBC Just Desserts collection is available until October 15 only.

10. DINE AND SCORE DRINK TREATS IN BGC

Satisfy your milk tea and coffee cravings with Bonifacio Global City's new “Dine and Sip” promo. Dine at any Bonifacio Stopover, Crossroads, or Park Triangle restaurant from September 15 to October 15, 2018 and swap receipts to get gift certificates.

Score P100 worth of gift certificate from participating coffee and milk tea brands (The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Happy Lemon, Serenitea, YiFang Taiwan Fruit Tea, or J.CO Donuts & Coffee) for every single or accumulated receipt purchases worth P1,000.

To redeem your gift certificates within the promo period, just present the valid receipts from 12 noon to 9 p.m. at promo booths located at Crossroads, Bonifacio Stopover, or at the Administration Office, Basement 1 Carpark, Park Triangle, 11th Ave., Taguig.

However, redemption from October 16 to December 16, 2018 is only at C3, Bonifacio High Street Concierge.

11. F1 HOTEL EARNS MEDALS AT PH CULINARY CUP

F1 Hotel Manila’s chefs won a number of awards at the recently held The Philippine Culinary Cup. Finishing with a bronze medal are Alvin Austria and Elijah Mendoza for the Young Chefs Team Challenge; Geomel Bautista for the U.S. Pork Category; and Frederick Ollet, Luwell Elisan and Chantal Vera as coached by the hotel's eecutive chef Angelo “Chubby” Timban for the Dream Team Challenge. 

Aries Vivas (Pasta Category), Billy Laigo (U.S. Beef Category), and the team who joined the Filipino Cuisine Challenge -- Rolando Pascual, Bautista, and Timban -- earned a silver medal.