Paradise Dynasty: There's more to explore and experience than their Signature Xiao Long Bao

Paradise Dynasty at the 2nd level of The Podium in Mandaluyong City

Paradise Dynasty can be quite intimidating for first-timers because of its high-end vibe and exquisite modern imperial design with wood carvings and well-lighted ceilings. But don't allow such intimidation to stop you from dining here. Paradise Dynasty is a Singaporean restaurant franchise which specializes in imperial cuisine with authentic local flavors from Northern and Southern China. They have their flagship branch at the posh S Maison Mall in Conrad Hotel, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. And recently, they have opened another branch at the 2nd level of The Podium Mall in Ortigas, Mandaluyong City. 

Known for their legendary take on the 8 flavors of their signature Xiao Long Bao, we were surprised to find out that there's a lot more to explore and experience at Paradise Dynasty. From their appetizers, soups, drinks, all the way to the mains (which are mostly composed of Szchuan and La Mien dishes)--were all value for one's money because they're really excellent in taste yet good for sharing too. The best part? They're all reasonably priced too. 

Wok-Seared "Shaking" Beef Recipe by Chef Martin Yan

Wok-seared "shaking" beef with onions, green and red bell peppers on a bed of green leafy veggies and  fried potato strips

Wok-Seared "Shaking" Beef by Chef Martin Yan

Ingredients:
Marinade:
1 tsp. Soy Sauce
2 tsp. Cornstarch
Salt and pepper to taste
1 lb. Sirloin beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tbsp. cooking oil
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1/2 Red onion, cut into 1-inch squares
1 Green Onion, cut into 1-inch length
1 Red jalapeno (or any red large chili) sliced
1/2 Green bell pepper, cut into 1/2 inch squares
1/2 red bell pepper, cut into 1/2 inch squares
1 tbsp. Fish sauce
1 tbsp. Hoisin Sauce
1 tbsp. Chili sauce
1 tbsp. Water
2 tsp. Rice vinegar
2 tsp. soy sauce
2 tbsp. rice wine
1 tbsp. unsalted butter
1 bunch Watercress, washed and trimmed

Procedure:

1. Combine marinade ingredients in a medium bowl. Add beef, stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. 
2. Heat a wok over high heat until hot. Add oil, swirling to coat sides. Add beef; cook until a brown crust forms on the edges, about 3 minutes. Remove beef and set aside. 
3. Add garlic, red onion and green onion and cook until fragrant, Add sliced red chili, green and red bell peppers; stir-fry for 1 minute. Return beef.
4. Add fish sauce, hoisin and soy sauce; stir to evenly coat beef.
5. Add rice wine and flambe beef. Add butter; mix until butter melts and is evenly distributed. 
6. To serve, arrange watercress on a platter and place hot beef on top. 

Xilaimen Seafood Restaurant Food Review at Robinsons Magnolia

Xilaimen Seafood Restaurant Operations Manager Ms. Andrea Joyce Ng-Wen

Xilaimen means Happiness in Chinese. This newly opened seafood restaurant is located at the al fresco dining area of Robinsons Magnolia in New Manila, Quezon City. They were from the same people that brought us one of the best Chinese cuisine based chain of restaurants, King Bee. I guess the only difference is that Xilaimen caters more on the upscale market. We were privileged to receive an invitation from a fellow foodie to try what Xilaimen Seafood Restaurant has to offer.

Mixed Seafood with Polonchay Soup

Jade Garden Brings Back Seasoned HK chefs to bring authentic Chinese food artistry

Foodies need not to travel far to experience authentic Chinese dining. With the return of Jade Garden, a popular fine dining restaurant, those craving for Cantonese cuisine at its core traditions coupled with well-executed innovations may now enjoy them at Jade Garden. The iconic restaurant known for serving traditional and contemporary Cantonese cuisine has welcomed back its loyal clientele and has been steadily building a new batch of esteemed patrons. On any given day, Jade Garden plays host to memorable get-togethers¾from business meetings over lunch, to celebratory family gatherings and even romantic dinners for couples.

Jade Garden owes its grand comeback mainly to the leadership of Executive Chef Ho Chi Kwong and Assistant Executive Chef Keith Lau, both having undergone proper training with the prestigious food conglomerate Maxim’s Caterers Limited in Hong Kong. Established in their own right, it is the chefs’ culinary expertise that makes authentic Chinese flavors come alive at Jade Garden, and keep guests coming back for more.

 

Kwong revealed that seafood dishes are a main draw at Jade Garden, citing the Rock Lobster, which can be baked with butter and garlic, deep-fried with chili and pepper, or steamed with minced garlic, and the Lapu-Lapu with French bean, as all-time crowd pleasers. Kwong, in particular, is very much familiar with the local palate given his length of stay in the country, going all the way back to the early 90s when Jade Garden first came to the Philippines. “Filipino food culture is big on fried food and dipping sauces, which is almost the exact opposite of the foundations of Cantonese cuisine, with its focus on freshness and subtlety,” he adds. “We always strive to strike that balance and make certain adjustments to please our diners while maintaining the quality and essence of the food we serve.”

He also shares that he has to keep studying and learning about new food preparation techniques and trends to keep the menu interesting. As far as inspiration goes, Kwong makes it a point to check out the restaurants around the area, read various cookbooks and watch his favorite cooking shows. The impressive and ever-growing menu welcomes new dishes every month or every two weeks, sometimes upon the request of its loyal diners. “Sometimes they request for something else apart from their go-to orders and we take it as a challenge to come up with something new. Other times, we introduce certain dishes to them as part of our seasonal menu,” he says.

 

Making for a superb dining experience at Jade Garden is the sophisticated ambience and the plethora of offerings, made with the freshest quality ingredients using top grade equipment and handled with utmost precision and technicality only the best can execute. “In our day-to-day operations, it’s SOP to practice the “first in, first out” system, in that the goods that are delivered the earliest are the first to be prepared and served,” Kwong says. “This helps to ensure our guests are always satisfied with the food and service, and from the feedback we get, we know they are.”

Explore the best of what Cantonese cuisine can offer and head to Jade Garden today! Jade Garden is located at the 2nd level of Glorietta 2, Palm Drive corner West Drive, Ayala Center, Makati. For details and reservations, contact 843-1361 and 955-1808.

 

My Awesome Food and Culture: Secrets of Lucky Chinatown Tour

Foodies unite! Get ready to explore some fascinating Chinese traditions along with exciting food treats at the Awesome Food and Culture Secrets of Lucky Chinatown Tour at Lucky Chinatown, a heritage project of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls in Binondo. 

The food and culture tour is a brainchild of the puissant duo of Our Awesome Planet's Anton Diaz and Mercato Central's RJ Ledesma. 

Mercato Centrale's RJ Ledesma welcomes guests.

The food tour started with a brief introduction and welcome remarks by RJ Ledesma which was immediately followed by tea-tasting activity. We were introduced to Botanical Herbal Halls at the Annex A of Lucky Chinatown Mall. Here we had a taste of Momordica Grosvenori Five Flowers Tea called Lo 5, Snowpear Chrysanthemum Tea, Maybloom Tea and Plum Tea--all four tea drinks are believed to have health benefits that help relieve different illnesses and could also be used for personal detoxification. 

Four of Botanical Herbal Halls bestselling organic drinks

Then, for a glimpse of the Chinese culture, we were ushered to Miao De Temple where participants learned more about Buddhist religion and its practices. Some were even taught how to properly light incense sticks as a sign of respect in the Buddhist tradition while others were lucky to be given books about Buddhism. 

At the Lucky Chinatown Walk, we were surprised to see lots of food kiosks as its part of Mercato Centrale Group's initial offering before their Wei Mei Lu (The Street of Good Food) officially kicks off on May 24, 2014. We checked out the Fu Dao Dumpling stall--where freshly made dumplings are done right before your eyes. They also serve a fantastic Sate Seafood Noodles with Shrimp in Sate Soup base. When you come to Lucky Chinatown Mall, don't fail to slurp on their delicious dumplings and noodle dishes, it's definitely worth all the trip! It's like being in mainland China without the need for a passport and visa. 

Lumpia rolls properly lined up

Maki Mi on a bowl

While you're at the Lucky Chinatown Walk, another must-try that you shouldn't dare miss if you're on a foodie adventure is Cha Cha Food House's Pumpkin Cake. It tastes soooo good that we bought our cakes right away that when Mr. RJ Ledesma saw us he had to warn us to reserve more space on our stomach as there are more food stops to visit thereafter. The said Pumpkin Cake actually looks like a small patty--flat and all, but don't let its looks deceive you. It tastes like the Chinese tikoy although somewhat yellowish or orange in color because it's made from real pumpkin. This is perfect for finicky kids who don't like eating veggies. The sweet and sticky texture of this pumpkin cakes will certainly make them forget they are eating something with pumpkins. And for only Php10 per Pumpkin Cake? It's indeed an affordable treat! 

The surprisingly delicious pumpkin cakes.

Freshly made dimsums are made right in front of you!

This cute little girl could not resist the yummy treats either.

My first bite of Mr. Fast Foo's Cua Pao brought me straight to foodie heaven. Made of braised pork belly, Kiam chay, sugared peanuts and cilantro (wansoy)--in soft fluffy white bun, Mr. Fast Foo's Cua Pao reminded me of Vietnamese Bahn Me--a delicate bun with filling soaked in a sweet special sauce. Oh my, I could go on forever on how awesome their Cua Pao had been! Don't get me wrong, it isn't my first time to try on a cua pao. But this one made by Mr. Fast Foo is so far the BEST I could consider. As proof, right after the Awesome Food and Culture Secrets of Lucky Chinatown Tour, we went back to Mr. Fast Foo in the hope to bring home some more cua pao, unfortunately, it's all sold out. By the way, Mr. Fast Foo also serves Maki Mi (pork tenderloin in noodles in a sticky sauce) and a vegetarian version of Chinese fresh lumpia (fresh spring rolls with veggies and tofu, topped with crispy seaweed, sugared peanuts, fresh cilantro (wansoy) leaves and garlic). The lumpia is made upon order and for only Php70 per order, it is good for sharing and is definitely filling. 

Special roasted chicken marinated for long hours.

Phoenix Dragon owner talks about Chinese Animal Signs

We also got to learn a few things about Chinese traditional wedding preparations at the Reflexion Photography Studio. I never realized the Chinese was that 'detailed' until I heard it from the resource speaker. At the Phoenix Dragon, we were given a bit of forecasts on this years' most auspicious animal signs. Those who had stones and precious gems with them were lucky to have them cleanse via the cleansing bowl. 

Reflexion Photo Studio spokesperson talks about the value of Chinese Wedding Tradition.

The young owner of Rainbow Snow

And because it's summer and Manila's in such a debilitating heat, Rainbow Snow (located at the 4th floor of Lucky Chinatown Mall, food court section) served as the perfect place to go to. With refreshing brewed tea drinks and flavored ice such as Azuki beans, Mango Snow, Chocolate Snow and Mixed Berry Snow--you'll never go wrong with whatever you choose because they all taste good. I loved the Mixed Berry because it tasted like my favorite yoghurt (sans the sourness, of course). It's pretty amazing that the owner is a young Chinese entrepreneur who brought in Taiwan's favorite icy treat on the Philippine shore. If you guys loved the street food iced scramble, I can assure you that Rainbow Snow is a better version of such street food favorite.

Mango Snow

Mixed Berries Snow

We also enjoyed our visit to the Wellness Sanctuary located at the 3rd floor of Lucky Chinatown, participants had a choice of availing one of the following services: acupuncture detox, fish spa session with garuffa fish (also known as 'Dr. Fish') or a tui na (massage) session--all for 15 minute duration each. I chose the latter because of two reasons: first, I fear needles and acupuncture isn't my cup of tea, thank you. Since I've tried fish spa before and my feet are aching from all the walking I've just had, a massage would be my perfect choice. True enough, I went out of Wellness Sanctuary feeling refreshed and happy.

Tao Yuan Restaurant's best seller: Hainanese Chicken

Deep Fried Fish in Sweet and Sour Mango Sauce

Birthday Noodles

Our last stop for the Awesome Food and Culture: Secrets of Lucky Chinatown Tour was at the Tao Yuan Restaurant located at the 2nd floor of Lucky Chinatown Mall. Here we've had samplings of Singaporean and Hong Kong style dishes. We've had Hainanese Chicken with Chicken rice (rice cooked on Hainanese Chicken broth), Fried Lapu-lapu with mango sauce, Pancit Canton Birthday Noodles and Mango Sago for dessert. 

You too can experience this Awesome Food and Culture: Secrets of Lucky Chinatown Tour for only Php888.00! Tickets are available at the Luck Chinatown Mall Concierge. Hurry, this food tour will only run on a limited time. 

Special thanks to Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, Mercato Centrale Group, Mr. RJ Ledesma and Mr. Anton Diaz. 

Bloggers enjoyed the food tour that they vow to come back again next time! 

King Bee Chinese Food Opens a Branch at Fisher Mall in Quezon Avenue

King Bee Chinese Food recently had a soft opening of their latest branch at the newly opened shopping hub in Quezon Avenue called Fisher Mall. King Bee Chinese Food, known for its paragon of excellent food and efficient service, have long been our go-to place for authentic Chinese comfort food. For those who aren't familiar yet with King Bee, it is all about excellent food, large servings, clean surroundings, but surprisingly it won't put a hole in your pocket. Yes, King Bee dishes are really affordable. 

Upon walking inside King Bee, one would surely get a whiff of the aromas of steaming basket of shrimp hakaw and pork siomai or the smell of asado or peking duck wafting in the air. Hungry diners will definitely converge at the King Bee Fisher Mall branch come lunchtime each day-students from nearby schools, residents, office employees out at lunch or after work, foodies who have just discovered the wonders of King Bee--would slurp down their noodles or twist them with their chopsticks. And it's obvious that they had enjoyed their meals at King Bee because you'll see people coming out of the restaurant with smiles on their faces after having satiated their appetite for some Chinese comfort foods. 

King Bee offers authentic Chinese fare, it is a place where you order your food with the wait staff without much fanfare or rather fuss-free, because the dishes are cooked only upon order so you have to wait for a few minutes, and finally the food arrives fresh and hot in bountiful plates.  Once it arrives on your table, you're in for a satisfying Chinese meal. King Bee's becoming a word because of its specialties and best selling dishes. I love King Bee's take on Fried Lapu-lapu with Mango in Thai Sauce (one of their best selling seasonal specialties), their shrimp hakaw, fried crabs in Szechuan sauce, their hotpot, beef brisket, squid in salt and pepper, fuyong and a whole lot more. Oh my, I could go on talking about my favorites because they are that many. 

So if you're looking for a great ambiance, excellent and authentic Chinese food that's truly a good value for money, head off to King Bee Chinese Food branch at Fisher Mall in Quezon Avenue for an exciting meal. 

King Bee Chinese Food Restaurants are located in different areas. Check out the places and visit any of the branches. 

FISHER MALL BRANCH

Unit 9-14 Upper Ground Floor,

Fisher Mall, Quezon Ave. Cor.Roosevelt Ave., Q.C.

Tel. (046) 402-0632

MANGGAHAN BRANCH (MAIN)

Newhall Commercial Center, Governor's Drive,

Manggahan, General Trias, Cavite

Tel No. (046) 402-0632

COMMONWEALTH BRANCH

Commonwealth Ave.

University District, Brgy. Holy Spirit,

Quezon City

Tel No. (02) 990-4688 / (02) 376-9492

CEPZA BACAO Branch

Diversion Road, General Trias, Cavite

Tel No. (046) 437-2947

STA. ROSA BRANCH

Sta. Rosa Estate, Brgy. Don Jose,

Sta. Rosa City, Laguna

Tel No. (049) 544-0895

MARCOS HIGHWAY BRANCH

SINCERITY CAFE AND RESTAURANT

Sincerity Café and Restaurant has drawn fans from all over the Metro for its delicious, crispy – yet – tender homestyle fried chicken. Sincerity Café and Restaurant has been quietly drawing fans from all over the metro, eager to experience their delicious, crispy yet tender homestyle fried chicken.  They have branched out to the Lucky Chinatown Mall so that more people can experience and enjoy their simple but authentic Chinese cuisine. 



Founded in 1956 with only P 600 in capital by Grandpa Uy Mo Kwan, Grandma Lim Bee Uy and Auntie VioletaUy, this humble panciteria has now become a Binondo byword for its simple but authentic menu items like oyster cake, Ngo Yong (Chinese Kikiam) and noodle dishes like Duck Misua Soup and bihon.

For inquiries, call 516-7088.