HERBALIFE NUTRITION-SPONSORED ATHLETE CRISTIANO RONALDO NAMED BEST FIFA MEN’S PLAYER FOR SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR

Press Release: 

International football super star Cristiano Ronaldo, a Herbalife Nutrition-sponsored athlete since 2013, was recently named “The Best FIFA Men’s Player” for the second consecutive year.

The award was determined through a combined voting process that included the votes of team captains and managers from national teams all around the globe, an online public ballot of football fans, and votes by a select group of global media representatives.

“Cristiano proves once again that his dedication on the field and commitment to nutrition has elevated him to the top of his game, earning him one of FIFA’s top honors, The Best Men’s Player Award,” said Rich Goudis, CEO of Herbalife Nutrition.

Ronaldo, named the most famous athlete in the world by ESPN, adds to other major awards and accomplishments in 2017.  He won the 2016/17 UEFA Men’s Player of the year for the second consecutive year, after once again leading Real Madrid to the UEFA Champions League title and finishing as the top goal scorer, as well as helping his team win the Spanish La Liga cup.  In 2017, he also became the first player to score 100 goals in UEFA Champions League and European competitions.  He currently holds four Ballon d’ Or titles, the annual football award presented by France Football, and is in the running this year for his fifth.

Herbalife Nutrition-sponsored athletes use Herbalife® products before, during and after training and games. As part of its ongoing commitment to improving sports nutrition and performance, Herbalife Nutrition launched Herbalife24® CR7 Drive in collaboration with Cristiano Ronaldo, a sports drink designed specifically to meet the nutritional needs of the global soccer legend and benefit athletes of all levels.

Herbalife Nutrition supports more than 190 athletes worldwide. To learn more about Herbalife Nutrition sponsored athletes, visithttp://iamherbalife.com/blog/athletes. To receive the latest company updates from Herbalife 

Hukad Golden Cowrie Restaurant: Celebrating Cebuano's Good Food

Hukad welcomes you in with warmth

 “Always a feast!”  This is Hukad Restaurant's official tagline. The term Hukad meant two things: to serve up on one's plate and a "ladle" used to scoop up servings. Hukad is owned by the Golden Cowrie group of restaurants which highlights Filipino tradition of eating altogether as a family over good food. Security Blanket recently tried Cebuano and well-loved Filipino dishes at their Trinoma Mall branch. 

So what do I love about Hukad? Let me count the ways:

First of all, if you're into rice, you will certainly love this restaurant. They offer unlimited freshly-cooked rice scooped in mounds which you will surely enjoy. A Hukad staff will be approaching your table and will ask if you need more rice, "Hukad some more?"

Hukad ladle ladies giving off unlimited rice

Hukad as well as other Golden Cowrie owned restaurants already had a cult following in both Visayas and Mindanao but they have yet to establish themselves here in Metro Manila. So we were delighted to get a taste of the best of Cebuano dishes without necessarily traveling to the South. We're happy that they are also expanding their reach nationwide, this way, more and more people will be able to delight in Cebuano foods. That alone saves you money sans traveling in an aircraft when you're seriously craving for some Cebuano foods like lechon and Ngohiong, right?

Some of Hukad's specialties

They have tapped in actor Gerald Anderson as their official brand ambassador. Yes, the "Ikaw Lang ang Iibigin" lead actor was said to be happy when Hukad had chosen him to become their endorser. He was part Bisaya and since he's now based in Manila, he would sometimes miss the food back home. Now, he doesn't need to go far, all he needs to do is visit any Hukad restaurants in the metro and he'll definitely satiate his cravings for Cebuano foods.

Hukad has tapped actor Gerald Anderson as their endorser.

Italiannis Now Serving Awesome Breakfast Menu in Selected Branches

We all know Italianni's Restaurant as one of the restaurants managed by the Bistro Group. Known for their honest-to-goodness authentic Italian dishes, only a few know that a few branches actually serves an awesome array of breakfast menu. I have come to know this myself only after I got invited for an FMU (foodie meet up) by Zomato. 

Our moms had always been right, NEVER SHOULD WE SKIP BREAKFAST. Simply because it's the most important meal of the day. And thus, you deserve the best that Italianni's has to offer. In this fast paced society we live in, a hearty, wholesome, healthy power breakfast is all we need to lift our moods and providing you the energy and zest you need throughout the day.

Amidst all the hype of all the fancy new brunch places popping up around the CBD, we thought to bring you a list of Italianni's Breakfast Specials which will only be available for a limited engagement (So hurry guys and try it out while it lasts!). Oh, and btw, they are only made available at the following Italianni's branches: Italianni's Greenbelt, Bonifacio High Street, and Vista Mall in Laguna. 

Here's what you can expect from their Chef's Breakfast Kitchen Menu:

* All meals come with complimentary tea or coffee.

Breakfast Porkchop (Php395)

Italianni's Breakfast Porkchop

Porkchop marinated in Italianni's choice of herbs and spices, seared to perfection and served with egg. You can have a choice of pairing it with either garlic rice or potato hash. It had that charred taste with a delicious basting and it was very flavorful that there's no need to reach for a dipping sauce.

Fried Eggplant with Sausage (Php365)

Italianni's Fried Eggplant with Sausage

A classic Filipino dish, fried eggplant toppled with sausage, pickled onion and oregano served with garlic rice. Eggplant or Aubergine goes perfectly well with  the sausages. And as they say in the vernacular, "mapapadami ang kain mo ng kanin." [You will be asking for more cups of rice]. Even if you're not a fan of eggplant, you will certainly like this dish, that's for sure. 

Smoked Capocollo Ham with Avocado (Php350)

Italianni's Smoked Capocollo Ham with Avocado

Fresh from the oven sourdough bread topped with capocollo ham, sliced avocado, poached egg and arugula. Capocollo or coppa is a traditional Italian and Corsican pork cold cut (salume). It is similar to the more widely known cured ham or prosciutto, because they are both pork-derived cold-cuts that are used in similar dishes. This open faced sandwich is one of my favorites among the Italianni's Chef Breakfast Kitchen menu. The sourdough was very chewy and I didn't know the ham will go well with the avocado slices on top. It's really very filling and I'll certainly recommend it for those people on-the-go who wanted to grab a bite but will still have a healhy and filling meal for breakfast. 

Cabalen Group of Companies Celebrates its 31st Anniversary

Press release:

In celebration of the Cabalen Group of Companies’ 31^st Anniversary, they bring you the most exciting prizes with their Eat, Repeat, Win and Travel Raffle Promo! A trip to Asia’s dream destinations –Hongkong and Disneyland, Bali, Indonesia and Hanoi, Vietnam – awaits the three (3) lucky winners this year! Plus staycation packages to Bataan, Zambales and Tanay, Rizal will be given away. 

This is a collaboration of all the Cabalen group of restaurants – Cabalen Eat All U Can, Eat All U Want, Soi Restaurant, Mangan Restaurant, Eat Pinoy, BKK Express and Cerveseria – will surely satisfy your food cravings with their wide array of food highlights and exciting gadgets and international trips.

A minimum spend of P1,499 at any of these restaurants entitles you to one (1) raffle card for the Grand Draw. Upon completing your Grand Draw Entry you also get a bonus P350 worth of Gift Certificate valid to all Cabalen Group of Restaurants!

Aside from the international trips and calming staycations, you also get a chance to win weekly prizes all throughout the month of August. Yes! You can win gadgets, various passes and gift certificates every week!

Tickle your taste buds with the country’s best Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao favorites – La Paz Batchoy, Gatang Tambakol, Sinigang na Lechon Ilocos, Pancit Habhab and Sizzling Chicken by Cabalen Eat All U Can, Eat All U Want .  Experience Authentic Thai dishes with a local twist with Soi Restaurant’s Thai Grilled Salted Fish (Pla Pao), Thai Mixed Vegetables (Pad Phak), Thai Fried Pork Belly (Mu Krob), Thai Chicken in Basil (Pad Kaprow Gai), Thai Spicy Ground Pork (Mu Pad Kaprow), Thai Spicy Ground Pork Chicken (Kai Pad Kaprow), and Thai Grilled Chicken Leg (Gai Yang); Feast on Mangan Restaurant’s Perfect Fry & Grill Duo, Prito Paborito and Inihaw Fiesta;  Indulge on Cerveseria’s mouthwatering Artisan Meals Cochinillo and Paella Cerveseria; Of course the On-the-Go Thai favorite BKK Express offers their full Big Kombo Kraze with P10 OFF and Eat Pinoy’s delectable Quilain Babi and Pesang Dalag.

Get the ultimate food experience only with Cabalen Group of Restaurants – Cabalen Eat All U Can, Eat All U Want, Soi Restaurant, Mangan Restaurant, Eat Pinoy, BKK Express and Cerveseria and win amazing trips and staycations from Air You Go Travels,  Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar, Ten Cents to Heaven Leisure Camp and Inflatable Island. That’s not all; get exciting prizes every week from Upside Down Museum, Myphone, Western Appliances and Star City.

Hurry! Join their Eat, Repeat, Win & Travel Raffle promo now!  For more details, see posters and prints or visit their official Facebook pages. Promo runs from August 1, until August 31, 2017. Per DTI-FETB Permit No. 10653 Series of 2017.

Satisfy your Filipino cravings from Cabalen in any of its accessible branches: Alabang Town Center 809-6698 | Glorietta 2 893-9884 | Harbor Point Ayala Mall, Subic Bay Freeport Zone (045) 499-0245 | Market! Market! 728-2930 | Robinsons Place Ilocos 09392387995 | Robinsons Place Manila 536-7987 | Robinsons Starmills, San Fernando, Pampanga (045) 875-2064 | SM City Bacolod  (034) 436-5922 | SM City Bacoor (046) 484-9434 | SM City Baliwag (02)911-1584 | SM City Cabanatuan 0949-7740221 / 0977-6020222 | SM City Cebu (032) 238-5840 | SM City Clark (045) 499-0245 | SM City Dasmariñas  (02) 911-1584 | SM City Davao (02) 911-1584 I SM City Fairview 374-0843 | SM City Iloilo 0922-338-1091 I SM City Lipa (043) 756-2360 | SM City Manila 225-4580 I  SM Megamall 633-1761 | SM Mall of Asia 556-4874 |  SM City North Edsa 294-7970 | SM City Pampanga (045) 435-5511 | SM City San Jose Del Monte 0995– 1270517 & 0943-4863043 | SM City San Lazaro 244-9932 | SM Seaside Cebu (032) 254-9097 | SM City Southmall 0910-098-9652 I SM Trece Martires (046) 437–2941 | Trinoma Mall 901-3602 | West Ave., Quezon City 372-3515| Marquee Mall, Pampanga 911-1584: and Cabalen San Bruno, USA - 495 San Mateo Avenue, San Bruno, CA 94066.

For your Thai favorites, visit Soi at any of the following: Alabang Town Center 551-0819 I Glorietta 553-0001 I Robinsons Place Manila 523-1189 I SM Mall of Asia GF, North Arcade 0922 – 8352708/ 0932 - 8904136 I SM Megamall 361-2420 I SM Seaside Cebu (032) 273-1456 | SM Manila- 252-2287|

For On-The-Go Thai food, visit BKK Express at the Uptown Mall, Food Hall 805-1328
and for Classic Filipino Comfort Food, go to Eat Pinoy at Food on Four, SM Aura 553-2717

Experience the taste of Japanese Food, Music at Buddha-Bar Manila Buddha-Bar’s Corporate Chef Shigeki Iimura, to serenade customers with the exquisite Japanese Cuisine

Buddha-Bar-Manila, a world-class resto-bar-lounge that offers fine dining and entertainment experience, is bringing the best of contemporary Japanese cuisine as Chef Shigeki Iimura, Buddha-Bar’s Japanese Corporate Chef, visits Manila this July 7 for a meet-and-greet with lovers of good food and entertainment. 

A night of gastronomical delight will follow on July 8 as the renowned executive chef showcases his culinary skills as he prepares choice Japanese dishes through a live kitchen demo. The said event on July 8, dubbed as “Japanese Serenade,” features Chef Shigeki’s signature Japanese dishes that will be prepared right before a live crowd while a violinist plays a beautiful ensemble. “We are glad to invite everyone who loves Japanese food for this once-in-a-year event. I know that they will get to enjoy and learn a lot from this spectacular night as Buddha-Bar Japanese Head Chef Shigeki Iimura comes over to showcase his one-of-a-kind dishes,” said Bernadette Castillo, Sales and Marketing head of Buddha-Bar Manila. For almost 35 years, Chef Shigeki was able to learn the different styles of Authentic Japanese cuisine from Kyoto-style to Kaga and Robata-style. With this, he achieved a reputation in the culinary world in Japan as he established a career in a top restaurant in Tokyo. After traveling and working in different parts of the world, he developed a passion for Western cuisine and its flavours. 

“Beyond the passion for Continental and Japanese cuisine, Chef Shigeki is admired most because he is an artist whose talent gives people emotions displayed from the fusion of his different cooking styles,” added Castillo. Shigeki spends most of his time developing exciting, unconventional, and contemporary recipes making him a trendsetter when it comes to Japanese food. Castillo said further, “Chef Shikegi Iimura’s visit in Buddha-Bar Manila is, definitely, one of the best events that we could offer for our customers. 

With the edgy style found in all of his dishes, we know that it will keep enthralling the taste buds of those who will get to try them. Come and join us here at Buddha-bar Manila to experience the creations of Chef Iimura through our limited offered Japanese Serenade Menu.” Chef Shigeki's Japanese Serenade Menu will be available in Buddha-Bar Manila from July 7 to 23 only. To know more about the event, as well as for inquiries and reservations, please call 8566719, 8566859, or 09989833918. You may also visit Buddha-Bar Manila, located at Picar Place, Kalayaan Ave. Makati City.

7 Flavors Buffet Food Review: Indulge in an eat-all-you-can-style of feast in the heart of San Juan City

7 Flavors Buffet Restaurant in San Juan

If you’re an avid foodie like me, I suppose you’ll be able to relate to the sheer excitement I get from seeing rows and rows of sumptuous good eats lined up before your eyes.

For me, what I love most about buffets is not just the freedom I have to savour as much good food as I can, but also the moment of mindless and passionate indulgence in the selection of good food that befall my eyes. This is especially gratifying when the buffet spread belongs to one of my favourite cuisines of gourmet delight.

Photos and a life sized standee of Celebrity chef Boy Logro will welcome you upon your arrival

Downstairs is 7 Flavors Buffet Cafe

The 7 Flavors Buffet Cafe is reminiscent of the typical Korean coffee shop

I believe that each of us has our preference for our favourite cuisine of good eats. So here’s my guide on when you visit 7 Flavors Buffet restaurant in San Juan which is partly owned by celebrity chef Boy Logro. Why is it named 7 Flavors? The 7 Flavors refers to the 7 different flavours namely: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, spicy, astringent, and umami. 7 Flavors tend to focus on foods that will give you all the above flavours. Their dishes range from Mexican, Japanese, Chinese, American, Spanish and Filipino cuisines. I’m sure you’re kind of curious what this restaurant can offer to gratify your gourmet pleasure. So read on and join me in my culinary eating adventure at 7 Flavors Buffet…

The seats at the buffet upstairs are spic and span

7 Flavors Buffet features a master chef concoct with an array of Asian, Western and Pacific cuisine. The restaurant literally exhibits a culinary tour and dining experience for us, upon visit. Special themed nights are also available such as videoke nights on Fridays. 

Sibyullee: Flavors of Seoul under one roof

Sibyulee [Sib-yool-lee] is a fast and growing restaurant in Ayala The 30^th Mall that serves authentic Korean food fare. The said restaurant is brightly lit and has a very welcoming feel. We like that their interior is cozy with Korean BBQ exhaust made for grilling. There’s quite a small space for you to move around but it pretty much compensate for their unlimited banchan [appetizers], cooked food and meat to BBQ. We really liked their banchan composed of sweetened peanuts with dried anchovy, pickled radish and cucumber, water spinach and kimchi. They all give a good balance between sweet, sour and savoury taste.

Sibyullee takes it pride from serving the flavours of Seoul, inspired by the vibrant street food in Myeongdong and innovative BBQ in Itaewon. The Korean method of roasting beef, pork, chicken, or other types of meat is far different from the usual “BBQ” parties you usually organize in your backyard. The star of the show is undoubtedly the meat—different types, cuts, marinated etc—that is grilled at the diner’s table on a gas or charcoal grills. This experience allows diners to talk, cook, and enjoy their food at the same time.

At Sibyullee, who can resist the multiple sensory pleasures of Korean BBQ? The spicy, salty flavours and the combination of textures and temperatures, not to mention the hands-on fun of going through a pile of lettuce leaves, wrapping your own individual “lettuce wrap” or better known as samgyupsal, and popping them into your mouth, it’s enough to make your meal memorable. If you have yet to try, it’s time to call up some friends and get ready to be in a culinary treat. Please wear clothes that you don’t mind recking of smoke or BBQ afterwards.

 To bring diners on an even more exciting culinary adventure, Sibyullee offers unique meat cuts marinated in a delicious blend of Korean spices and is then grilled to perfection. They’re full of rich flavours, tender and juicy. They are the closest you can get to savouring authentic Korean flavours without necessarily travelling to Seoul. 

Salu Restaurant Celebrates 1st Anniversary + Introduced Innovative Dishes to Try!

I know what you’re thinking: What’s so different about Salu Filipino restaurant from other establishments that serve Filipino dishes? They serve undeniably the best of Filipino dishes [literally from the Northern part of Luzon going all the way down to the Southern part of Mindanao] under one roof. Yes, you're reading that right. Salu owners, celebrity couple Romnick Sarmenta [Romeo Nicolas Sarmenta Tejedor in real life] and Harlene Bautista painstakingly went to travel each Philippine island to explore, discover and learn the best of Filpino recipes from the locals themselves. 

Mangan Restaurant Food Review: Serving the Best of Kapampangan Foods Daily

Whenever I think of going on a food rampage, Pampanga will always be at the top of my list. Kapampangans are known for not scrimping on ingredients. So when one gets an invite for a Kapampangan foodie event, of course, it would be a shame if I'd say no. I had a chance to review Mangan Restaurant in its Glorietta branch. I'm no stranger to Mangan as m family and I had visited its Robinson's Galleria branch before. I remember that's how I discovered my love for Burong Hipon (fermented shrimp and rice) which the Cabalens use for dipping steamed vegetables. I know it smelled bad but the taste was absolutely fantastic! 

Interiors are good, feels like home

Herbalife Global Nutrition Expert Talks About Balanced Nutrition and Obesity in Upcoming Wellness Tour

Dr. Rocio Medina, Herbalife Vice President

Press release:

Herbalife, a global nutrition company, announces that Dr. Rocio Medina, Herbalife Vice President, Worldwide Nutrition Training, will be the guest speaker in the Philippine leg of the upcoming Asia Pacific Wellness Tour.  

Held from 5 April to 15 May, the Herbalife Asia Pacific Wellness Tour will feature a series of medical symposia, nutrition talks and health workshops held in 23 cities across Australia, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Japan, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

At the symposia, six Herbalife Nutrition Advisory Board (NAB) experts including Dr. Medina will share their expertise on a variety of health-related topics. Specialized in nutrition and obesity, Dr. Media will focus on balanced nutrition and how its relationship to one’s metabolism plays an important role in our overall well-being.

Soi Eat Thai Love Thai: Authentic Degustation of Thai Flavors

Soi Thai welcomes guests with a smile

One of the most common misconceptions about Thai dishes is that they're all spicy. That is absolutely not true. I recently had the opportunity to review Soi Eat Thai Love Thai in Glorietta 2 branch in Makati City. I was surprised because it has exceeded my expectations. The prices as well as food presentations were a bit upscale when compared to its sister restaurant, BKK Express which I've also had reviewed late last year. But I'm telling you, it's totally worth it. You can be assured, they do not scrimp on ingredients because 70 percent of them were flown in on a regular basis straight from Thailand. The owners do not want but to serve you authentic yet affordable Thai food and nothing less. 

Soi Eat Thai Love Thai had a lovely Asian setting which makes the ambiance all the more enjoyable for dine in customers. Soi had an extensive selection of Thai degustations which will excite your palates, especially for real foodie enthusiasts. For one, you won't need to fly to Bangkok to savor the authentic food there because Soi has brought in an authentic Thai chef to personally man over the kitchen at Soi. 

Novotel Manila Araneta Center’s Go Gangnam Korean Food Festival

Kimchi fried rice

If you’re a K-Pop fanatic and you’re fond of Korean foods, Novotel Manila Araneta Center’s Food Exchange has some good news for you. For one whole week beginning February 21 to 27, they will be featuring some of the best and well-loved Korean dishes. In partnership with Novotel Gangnam Seoul, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea and Korean Cultural Center, they have flown in Korean Chef Jong-Man Kim straight from Seoul, South Korea to specifically prepare the dishes at Food Exchange for guests.

Korean Music and traditions welcomed the guests

Spicy potato marbles

Beef Bulgogi

Bakers Maison launches awesome artisanal breads

Bakers Maison by Gardenia

The first time I have encountered Bakers Maison was when I had my eye check up at my opthalmologist’s clinic in SM North Edsa a few months back. I was then with my boyfriend and we were really hungry after queuing at the clinic. We learned that Bakers Maison is by the same people behind renowned bread brand, Gardenia. It is the said brand’s artisanal specialty bakery café.

Bloggers recently gathered at Bakers Maison Glorietta 4 Branch where they had introduced various recipes that made use Bakers Maison specialty artisanal breads featuring Whole Wheat Baguette, Ciabatta Classico, Sourdough de Maison, Classic Bagel, Chocolate Chip Bagel, and Raisin Cinnamon Bagel. The recipes were personally demonstrated and prepared by no less than Chef Edwin Tan, a Malaysian pastry chef with three decades of baking expertise. 

Orange peel Frappe from Bakers Maison with Whipped cream

Food Review: Minute Burger's Taste of the World in New Brioche Buns

Are you craving for premium specialty burgers without burning a hole in your pockets? If your answer is a resounding yes, then you've got to head off to the nearest Minute Burger branch now! Minute Burger is a burger brand that me and my family had grown to love all these years. If I remember it right, I was only about 6-years-old when I had my taste of this awesome burger. So when I had a taste of their latest premium burgers, I couldn't believe it at first that they've got the first of its kind to offer brioche buns on their premium burgers at buy one, take one! Yes, All their burgers are sold Buy 1, Take 1. How's that for your money's value right? Best of all, they've got four incredibly delicious flavors to choose from: Bacon Cheeseburger (America) (Sold at Php61), Black Pepper  Burger (Php55) (India), Beef Pizza Burger (Italy) (php59) and Crispy Chicken Burger with Roasted Sesame (Japan) (php58). Dubbed as "Taste of the World," one doesn't need to travel far and wide to experience the awesome flavors of each country because Minute Burger has now made them available in premium burger patties in brioche buns.

 Minute Burger's latest offer; Taste of the World with burgers from four countries