DADS World Buffet: The World On Your Plate--International Cuisine at its Finest!

Pigging out on all-you-can-eat was first introduced in the Philippines by DADS-Kamayan-Saisaki owners, The Villavicencio Family. They're a pioneer in the food industry since they've been in the business for more than 20 years--proof of their excellent food and quality service.  In this day and age, a number of buffet restaurants have sprouted like mushrooms, DADS-Kamayan-Saisaki held its place on the top being the original. Last year, I wrote about my review on DADS World Buffet. Foodies will be happy to note that all DADS-Kamayan-Saisaki restaurants have been converted into DADS World Buffet. Yes, DADS Glorietta, DADS EDSA, DADS Manila and DADS West Avenue in Quezon City are included. As the name implies, our beloved DADS restaurant are now serving more sumptuous dishes from around the world. 

I recently took a tasting tour of DADS World Buffet and believe me, the experience really was having the world on your plate. You don't need to travel far to have a taste of the best dishes in the world because it's all under one roof---at DADS World Buffet. It saves you time and lots of money because what DADS World Buffet offer are authentic international cuisines.

"What makes our buffet spread different is that although we continue to add other dishes, we make sure that every dish is available everyday. With buffets, everyone has his or her favorite, and some people can't change their minds and are not willing to try other dishes. They'd come to DADS World Buffet with that particular dish in mind, to simply enjoy it. We don't want to disappoint them so we have our dishes everyday," says Mara Villavicencio of DADS World Buffet. They are very particular with quality and consistency which is such a good thing.

Personally, I love DADS World Buffet because they're not your traditional buffet. There's so much variety and specialties to choose from. I even had a bone marrow on my Bulalo (beef soup), sizzling balut (considered as aphrodisiacs by Filipinos) and my ultimate favorite: crispy salmon chicharon (a healthier version of chicharon because it's made from fish not pork rind). Oh, I almost forgot! You've got to try New Zealand's lamb, US Roast Turkey and DADS Signature ham. 

                Sizzling Balut

        Crispy Salmon Chicharon

   A lady tries Chinese fare at DADS World Buffet

        Oyster Rockefeller

DADS World Buffet is even more than just dining destinations, it aims to please foodies as well as the average Juan or Juana who likes to load their plates. It is an upscale restaurant and not a mass feedery because it has a sleek, chic and ultra-contemporary, with comfortable chairs, cool Filipino musicians willing to play for you from the hippest music of Bruno Mars or One Direction to sweet old Kundimans. 

                   Gyoza

    

Buffet standards are dishes from around the world---some cooked in front of you. They include custom sushi cones, made-to-order crêpes, pasta, grilled seafood and meat etc. Standouts on my tasting tour included Mexican pork carnitas with salsas, fajitas with guacamole and pita bread, Chinese dumplings, Korean Kalbi, Spanish Tapas such as gambas, chorizo croquetas, pollo al ajello, calamare con potato gratin, Thailand's fish todlad prik, and Churrasco, Chimichuri, Pritson, Satay, Kebab and whew! There's more to mention, my blog space isn't enough. 

Chef at work at the Korean Noodle Station

Mom and daughter picks their own pasta and sauce

      Quesadillas and salsa

             Korean Kalbi

DADS World Buffet also offers an amazing number of sushi choices--they've got more than 70 choices to choose from! For Katsu, they've got hire, sakana, rosu, menchi, chicken and salmon katsu. Those who love Japanese foods will certainly enjoy. Do I see a lot of hands raising eh? Well, count me in! 

      Tonkatsu at its best

The crêpes made to order with fresh fruits and marshmallows, whipped cream and chocolate or strawberry drizzled on top are enough to satiate those with sweet tooth. They say the feast for the eyes are the same with one's stomach. The desert station's décor is elaborated with sweet confections that line dessert cases, including fruit carvings. While you're there, try the crême brulée, gelato or mousse. They're all divine and awesome!

While other eat-all-you-can buffets have that steep prices + unbelievably long lines making one starve overtime--DADS World Buffet maintains a reasonable price including drinks.  They have all kinds of drinks--sodas, juices, iced tea, chocolate drinks (for the kids) and fresh fruit shakes. 

DADS World Buffet Rates:

DADS Lunch (Monday-Friday) Php688*

DADS Dinner (Monday-Friday) Php888*

DADS Lunch and Dinner (Weekends and Holidays) Php888*

DADS Merienda Buffet (3:00-5:00PM) Php258*

*DADS Senior Citizen Treat: Diners 70 years old and up get 50% off the buffet regular rates, simply present a valid ID. Children below 3ft. eat for free, the restaurant has a height chart and younger kids will be charged according to height. Kids 4ft and above are considered adults. 

Here's my last piece of advice before coming to DADS World Buffet, make sure you come early if you intend to eat for lunch, DADS become jampacked as soon as it hits 12nn. So you better come early. For merienda buffet, it starts from 3PM until 5PM. Lastly, Walk past every dish to see what you want, then decide later if you want to save room for dessert. Bon appetite!

DADS World Buffet

4/F Bridgeway, SM Megamall

EDSA, Mandaluyong City

636-3785/633-1758

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are 100% my own. 

Tempura Japanese Grill offers Japanese seafood lovers a savory treat

Japanese cuisine remains a top choice among an extensive range of diners, from those who want to treat themselves after a long day at work, to those who simply want to spend quality with their loved ones over a good meal. The complex flavors brought by the precise cooking techniques of Japanese cuisine, especially seafood dishes, make it an easy favorite to even the most discerning palate.

 

Tempura Japanese Grill, a frontrunner in authentic traditional and exotic Japanese cuisine, offers such array of exquisitely prepared seafood dishes and prides itself with its delectable Grilled Honey Miso Glazed Salmon.

 

The Honey Miso Glazed Salmon is prepared with premium Norwegian salmon loins caramelized with Tempura Japanese Grill’s thick signature honey and miso sauce. The buttery goodness of Norwegian salmon paired with the bold sweetness of honey and tanginess of miso make for a savory experience that will definitely captivate salmon lovers.

 

Tempura Japanese Grill’s mouth-watering seafood fare promises a flavorful feast that will definitely satiate that Japanese seafood cuisine craving whenever it kicks in. Reasonably priced at PhP 385.00, the Honey Miso Glazed Salmon is indeed the real deal. Give in to the tempting invitation of the Honey Miso Glazed Salmon, for that deliciously filling Japanese seafood fix. Tempura Japanese Grill is located at Banawe, Morato, Trinoma, Alabang Town Center, SM Mall of Asia, Robinsons Midtown, U.N. Avenue, Convergys Makati, SM Pampanga, and SM Cebu.

Max's Pinoy Style Fried Chicken with Three Special Dipping Sauces

I don't know about you, but I'm used to having my fried chicken with catsup. Yes, not gravy but catsup. Be it banana or tomato, as long as it's catsup, I'm okay with it. My love affair with dipping my fried chicken in catsup started when I was really young. I guess I got the habit out of frequently attending children's party as a kid. But when my favorite fried chicken on this planet--Max's Fried Chicken introduced its Pinoy Style Fried Chicken with three different yet special dipping sauces--I've tried them all and believe me, it might also create a convert in you.  

Max's Pinoy Style Fried Chicken gives fried chicken fans a chance to exercise their palate with the three following dipping sauces namely: Max's Gravy, Chili Sauce and Pinoy Sarsa. I was able to learn about this new Max's Pinoy Style Fried Chicken with three sauces quite accidentally. My Mom and I had lunch at Max's Alimall one weekday after coming from her physical therapy sessions. We ordered Max's Chicken and the wait staff asked if I'd like my chicken with Max's gravy (I just need to add Php10 for the gravy), Chili Sauce (add Php15) or Pinoy Sarsa (add Php15). I was surprised that my favorite Max's Restaurant knew very well how to further improve the taste of their chicken. Max's Pinoy Fried Chicken with dipping sauces was like Max's Fried Chicken version 2.0! 

Dipping those crispy-on-the-outside-yet-tender-on-the-inside Max's Fried Chicken on milky-buttery gravy sauce reminds me of my childhood as it tastes like the good 'ol home-cooked fried chicken with gravy. Kids and those kids-at-heart will surely enjoy its heavenly taste. For those looking for some added kick, Max's Pinoy Style Fried Chicken Dipping sauce had the Chili Sauce--similar to the typical cayenne oil found best paired with siomai (Who would've thought that chili sauce would complement Max's Fried Chicken?) Those who love anything spicy will surely appreciate this dip. As for the Pinoy Sarsa sauce, it's made from the peppered liver sauce found in most roasted chicken (lechon manok) but with a twist--its got hints of ginger which I truly love. It kind of balance the sweet and somewhat sourness of the good 'ol "sarsa".

So I've easily been a convert after trying Max's Pinyo Style Fried Chicken with dipping sauces. Now when you ask me how I like to eat my fried chicken, it's no longer just with my old catsup favorite--I want to eat them with Max's gravy, chili sauce, and Pinoy sarsa.

Try these awesome Max's Pinoy Style Fried Chicken with Dipping Sauce now at your nearest Max's Restaurant. Hurry before they totally ran out! 

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are 100% my own. 

Max's Gilas Favorite Delivery Treat

Max's Restaurant keeps up its support for modern-day heroes and the Philippines' pride--Gilas Pilipinas as they carry on their journey to the most awaited and prestigious FIBA with our national flag slated in Spain this coming August. Max's as part of its campaign to support the national team, recently launched the "Gilas Pilipinas Favorite Delivery Treat"--which consists of mouthwatering and sarap-to-the-bones one whole Max's fried chicken with a free bottle of banana catsup and a limited edition Gilas Pilipinas EcoBag for only Php299. 

Basketball aficionados may now cheer and watch their favorite basketball team while they enjoy Max's world-famous and sumptuous fried chicken. Hurry!  Max's Favorite Delivery Treat is valid only until July 31, 2014 for both online and delivery transactions anywhere in the Philippines. 

Coinciding with Max's Gilas Favorite Delivery Treat, Max's announced the winner for its "Dito Galing and Gilas" campaign. All set to fly for Spain are winners Pauline Vislenio and Jennifer Tayag Dueñes who will both be given a once-in-a-lifetime chance to watch Gilas Pilipinas compete live against the world's best basketball teams in the world.

Kopiko Launches Kopiko Cafe Blanca Variant with Brand Ambassadors: Marian Rivera, Christian Bautista, Aljur Abrenica and Iya Villania-Arellano

Kopiko, one of the country's well-loved 3-in-1 instant coffee mix brand recently introduced a new coffee variant called Kopiko Cafe Blanca--which stemmed from the Spanish word 'blanca' meaning 'white'. Kopiko's Cafe Blanca is a version of our favorite Kopiko brand brought to the next level. The result will be surely appreciated by coffee aficionados and coffee drinkers: a tempting aroma, silky smooth feel and luscious creamy goodness.

"We believe creamy coffee lovers deserve a different level of taste experience through Kopiko Cafe Blanca. Its rich extra creamy taste is specifically made for discerning consumers," says Michael Tandas, Marketing Manager of Kopiko Philippines. 

The exclusive media launch held at Makat Shangri-La also featured the four Kopiko Cafe Blanca brand ambassadors: GMA Primetime Queen and the country's sexiest female celebrity Marian Rivera, popular balladeer Christian Bautista, hunk Aljur Abrenica and newly-wed TV host Iya Villania-Arellano. 

"I am very picky when it comes to the products I endorse," Christian Bautista said during an interview. "I've always wanted to be sure of its (the product) quality before I'd agree to endorse it because my name will be identified and associated with it. But with a brand like Kopiko, since I've been their consumer--I really drink their coffee, I said yes right away," he shared. 

For Marian Rivera, "I have tried a lot of instant coffee variants in the market, but Kopiko Cafe Blanca stands out with its creamy blend and amazing taste! Drinking coffee helps to keep my energy high especially when I have tapings extended in the wee hours of the morning. Kopiko Cafe Blanca keeps me awake and in my element no matter how tired the day was." 

Meanwhile, Iya Villania says, "Coffee is a must-have for me during breakfast. I can't go on my day without it. Kopiko Cafe Blanca gives that rich creamy taste that I've long been looking for in a 3-in-1 coffee mix. Kopiko Cafe Blanca truly takes coffee to the next level!"

"Kopiko Cafe Blanca had that sweet and creamy coffee taste which I love. Drinking my favorite Kopiko variant is what I can consider as a "cheat day" on my diet. Kopiko Cafe Blanca is enough to satisfy my sweet tooth so when I crave for something sweet--I'd just grab a cup of Kopiko Cafe Blanca and I'll be fine," says Aljur Abrenica who swears by his "Machete diet". A special diet designed for him when he did his first starring role on TV bearing the same name. 

Kopiko Cafe Blanca's launch was graced by PT Torabika Eka Semesta (makers of Kopiko) executives headed by its Group Country Head for Philippines and Indian Sub-Continent, Mr. Mulyono Nurlimo who shared the brand's humble beginnings as well as vision of the company for the Philippine market. 

"PT Torabika started in the Philippines with Kopiko candy in 1994, followed by Kopiko Astig 3-in-1mix brand which introduced strong and rich coffee in the country. In 2009, Kopiko launched Kopiko Brown Coffee which uses brown sugar and in the succeeding years it was followed by Kopiko Kopiccino--with its thick foam and extra choco granules and LA Coffee--the first coffee mix with a reduced level of acidity. And now, Kopiko adds Kopiko Cafe Blanca to that long list of variants."

Kopiko leads the market because of its rich understanding of Filipino coffee taste. Creamy + delicious new Kopiko Cafe Blanca is something light yet rich in taste. Coffee drinkers will certainly love its full bodied texture, better mouth feel, good aroma and premium taste. 

Kopiko Cafe Blanca is now available in leading supermarkets, groceries, and sari-sari stores nationwide for only Php6.00 (SRP) per 30gm sachet. 

Special thanks to Ms. Grace Antonio of Havas Agatep for the invite. 

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are my own. 

Chicken Deli SM Annex North Edsa Food Review: Feasting on Bacolod's Chicken Inasal

Foodies went crazy when Bacolod's signature dish--chicken inasal was brought to Manila by a lot of food establishments who were all claiming to be "the original". But those who have been to Bacolod and were able to try the ones being sold there would certainly distinguish 

and taste the difference. I'm no food expert, but the ones sold at Chicken Deli would be the closest thing to the 'real chicken Bacolod inasal'. The ones I've tried before were either too sweet (influences perhaps from the American version of chicken barbecue) nor too bland. It's not surprising because Chicken Deli truly originated from Bacolod. 

Chicken Deli humbly originated from a small, clean and open-air hut eatery in 14th Lacson Street, Bacolod City. The restaurant's name came from the word chicken delicious--thus, it became Chicken Deli. In 1983, Mamang Lourdes created the restaurant in order to raise her children because she was widowed at a very young age of 29. She used her kitchen skills and secret marination recipes for the restaurant which were patronized by both the locals and foreign visitors alike. Soon, it became a tourist destination. Chicken Deli became a hit that it has now a lot of branches and even made its way to Manila. 

Chicken Deli offered a palate-tingling sensation that ranges from the simple joys of eating marinated chicken char-grilled to perfection to other lip-smacking cornucopia of food mixes and textures. With affordable meals + eat-all-you-can-rice and free bowl of hot soup, Chicken Deli truly gives value for your money. 

Feasting on Chicken Deli's pechopak (chicken breast and wings) was indeed a joy to begin with. Their chicken inasal is what inasal's supposed to taste like. And it's perfectly grilled--unlike the other inasal restaurant I've tried before where there were red blood oozing out of the chicken. (Sorry for such gory details.) Chicken Deli's Bacolod inasal is best eaten with the three bottles on the table: soy sauce, Sinamak (a local vinegar with spices on them) and of course, the chicken annatto oil. Mix all these three together along with calamansi (Philippine lemon) and some chili and you're in for the best chicken inasal meal of your life! For the locals (which foreigners should also try), it's best to consume with your bare hands. 

Oops, just do not forget to wash your hands properly first with soap and water for safety.  Usually, grilled chicken has the tendency to be dry, but this is what the chicken annatto oil is made for, just a few drops of this magic orange oil and voila! Say buh-bye to chicken dryness. In fact, so good was the annatto oil that my nephew Kyle would even put them on generous drops on his rice. After dining for lunch at Chicken Deli, what else can I say but "Namit Gid!"

Chicken Deli are located at SM City Bacolod, Bacolod Main branch, Lopues East Center Bacolod and Chicken Deli SM Annex (QC). 

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are my own. 

Cafe Via Mare: Rediscovering Filipino Cuisine at GT Toyota Katipunan

          Crispy Bacon Salad

I took up Oral Discourse in English at the University of the Philippines-Diliman as part of my post-grad experiment. Of course, at the time I was fresh out of college and I was trying to look at my options then. I took the said extramural course to keep me from being bored as I was then looking for work. So much had changed in a span of eleven years--even our fave hangout place called The Beach House (a small carenderia/eatery) recently closed down. But at the same time, there were lots of new establishments within the area, including GT Toyota in Asian Studies Building. This is where I've found Cafe Via Mare--located right inside the GT Toyota Compound. 

Just like other restaurants owned by Via Mare, Cafe Via Mare also had that chic, cozy ambiance. Expect to see families, entrepreneurs, colleagues, students and even runners to converse in between meals at Cafe Via Mare or to sip their favorite cup of coffee in the morning. I went there originally to cover an event, but I felt the need to commend Cafe Via Mare for the sumptuous Filipino Cuisine that they had served on our table that lunchtime. We've had sinfully filling Crispy Bacon Salad as appetizer. I couldn't decipher if it was something healthy or sinful because the crispy bacon strips were on topped of a salad of greens, with shallots, herbs and tomatoes on vinaigrette dressing. Nevertheless, it was delicious and sort of an initial exercise for your palates and indeed a good choice for an appetizer. 

       Salted Eggs Fried Rice

Cafe Via Mare served us with a special Fried Rice which had minced meat, spring onions, salted eggs and tomatoes. It reminds me of the Chinese's Yang Chow Fried rice. Only this time, the fried rice was made with a Pinoy twist--that of putting salted eggs on it. Personally, I don't like salted eggs, but Cafe Via Mare made me love the fact that salted eggs on their special fried rice perfectly complements all the dishes that we were served. 

               Kare-kare

When one speaks of Filipino cuisine, Kare-kare should never be missed. I am amazed that Cafe Via Mare didn't used any "short cuts" in cooking this dish. I mean, they didn't use any "instant sauce mix", but rather used mortar and pestle instead to pound peanuts and then turned them into a paste. Kare-kare's made of ox tail in creamy peanut buttery sauce with vegetables like eggplant, banana heart, and string beans, among others. It is served with fish paste (popularly known by locals as Bagoong). The ox tail 's really soft, almost melt-in-your-mouth and the peanut butter goes well with it. 

                Crispy Pata

Another deliciously sinful and tempting was the Crispy Pata--served with its soy and vinegar based sauce, it's definitely worth trying out for. A word of caution though, it could be addicting but let's eat in moderate amount, unless you might wanna end up in the hospital. Of course, you have to eat these with extra caution, eat in moderation.

           Fried Fish Tilapia

We also had fried fish tilapia served with mango side salad. The fish was made crispy and crunchy with the fried batter. And it goes well with the mango strips with it. It adds a rather tangy, somewhat sweet after taste. 

 Creamy Coconut Rice Cake with Mango Slices and Sesame Seeds

Capping off such a sumptuous yet sinful meal, we were served with Creamy Coconut Rice Cake with Mango Slices and Sesame Seeds. This dessert had some syrup on the side. It tastes so good that only a few minutes after it's served, it's gone already! The creaminess and natural sweetness of coconut plus the presence of sesame seeds adds flavor to this dessert along with the syrup. Think of the Filipino merienda favorite "palitaw" or "biko" mixed with ripened mango and "latik" syrup made from brown/Muscovado sugar. 

Overall, I'd recommend going to Cafe Via Mare for the great ambiance and good food. Although it's somewhat secluded from all the commercial establishments along Katipunan Road, still I'd say it's worth checking out for. 

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are 100% my own.