Mendokoro Ramen

Manila's in the moment gastronomic indulgence is Japanese ramen.  With more than a dozen establishments springing like mushrooms in the city, foodies can't seem to get enough to delight their appetites.  The latest name to open its doors is Mendokoro. Located in the current on the radar scene(Salcedo village where hotspots such as Elbert's steakroom, Reidel, Lulu, Toby's Estate, Wildflour, Gino's, La Creperie and Hooch and the recently opened Pablo hold their playground).

Mendokoro is a modern Japanese ramen place with simple yet well made interiors.  Metal and wood is designed in minimalist aesthetics surrounding an open kitchen right at the center of the restaurant. Designed by Noel Bernardo( who's projects in include Republic in NY, most Elite Concepts HK restos) and his design firm EC Studio, one gets to feel the atmosphere as if they were transported to the land of the rising sun. Beauty is in the art of simplicity wherein the study of design and space becomes ultra chic. A variety of neutral tones unfold a refreshing and cool visual perspective highlighted by shadow play.

As soon as you enter, one is welcomed and easily assisted to the counter to order and get a number(yes due to the number of seats available).  Having a concise menu, one is rest assured that everything in it has been gastronomically curated.  Waiting didn't take long as we came in early before lunch. As soon as were seated, the queue outside was quite long.  This author or the super spicy ramen and ordered extra pork plus egg on the side.  Love the explosion of spice and flavors that weren't overpowering.  The pork was cooked well, the noodles seemed like it was the best in town while the egg was divine. The overall dining experience was fantastic!  Simple, quick an without the fuss and flash. Great ambience and good food is simply the best.  Mendokoro is on dry run until February and is open Monday to Saturdays for lunch 11:30am while dinner starts at 630pm with limited bowls until full operation.  A must-go for everyone but make sure to come early, no reservations and special treatments.

Amazing space.

Art of design.

Light and shade.

Linear perspective.

Lightscape.

Earth calling.

Not so ordinary.

Spice of life.

The best noodles in town.

Love pork.

Waiting game.

Stick it out.

Table setting.

Turning Japanese with Rita Nazareno.

We are located at the GF of V Corporate Center, on Soliman St. Salcedo Village Makati. 

Tel. 215-1751

Restaurant Aziza

Cebu's legendary Tinder Box was recently under renovation and has now opened its latest foodie attraction-Restaurant Aziza. Chic minimalist interiors with Japanese influences display an amazing exposition of contemporary design. Painted immaculate chic,  the geometric space is luxuriously set by renowned interior designer Alex Medalla.  Modernity breathes anew as stylephiles flock to the simplicity of elegance.  Nature touches visionary appeal with a tapestry of modern surfaces into nowness.  Taking Cebu forward,  Restaurant Aziza pioneers molecular gastronomy into the city's dining landscape. The art of refinement echoes through the luxe experience of feasting on a degustation five or nine. Savor an amazing wine and dine treat for the senses prepared by Chef Marleen Ong. If you're on a diet and probably don't feel like indulging, they have an a la carte menu to satisfy even the most discerning palette. Definitely a must-go to in Cebu where practical fine dining is definitely more than worth it!  Congratulations!

Statement piece by Ann Pamintuan.

Lost in space.

Luxe setting.

A touch of glass.

Degustation 9.

White Gazpacho.

Sweet Roasted Foie Gras.

  Ginger Mojito Granita.

Beef Tenderloin and Choron sauce.

Triple Choco.

Chef Marlene Ong.

Hostess of the mostess Aziza Mondoñedo.

Batch 3 at Restaurant Aziza(L-R) the author, Cybil Gayatin,Kaye Luym Sala, David Ortega,Javi Martinez Pardo, Aziza Mondoñedo , Mia Arcenas, Neil Philippe, David Jones Cua.

Restaurant Aziza is located at The Tinder Box in Banilad, Cebu city.

White House

Davao, known for its famous "durian" and other sweet delicacies is also known for their cuisine. One famous attraction in the heart of the city is the White House. Located at J. P. Laurel avenue, the European inspired ancestral house of a renowned family has been converted into one of the best fine dining restaurant in Mindanao. Boasting of old world charm appeal, the beautiful interiors gives one a glimpse of life at a certain period in history.  Wood furnishings and crystal decors reflect a fusion of mixed heritage.  Heigh ceiling, huge window panels an wooden flooring are still intact as it is maintained an managed well.  The ambiance brings you back in time as the mood and feel is reminiscent of a glorious era full of parties, gatherings and socials. Run by chefs Cathy Binag and Niño Laus, their  impeccable fusion cuisine offers a wide variety of French, Italian and Japanese dishes to feast on.  The White House has a wine lounge with a great selection of both old and new world delights. The perfect place to relax and enjoy the evening with good food and buzz with friends. The outdoor setting is a spacious botanical area filled colossal trees with contemporary furnitures. The modern garden feel is perfect for events and big gatherings where one can enjoy the fresh air over bubbles and wine.  A must-see for everyone who wants something old but new. Definitely a place one would look forward to come back to in Davao!  

The author with Ish Tan, Florence Alejandre and Jesyl de la Cruz.

A wholesome feast

Health is wealth.  Today's lifestyle is all about healthy living and with this comes one of the most important life essential - food.  As the fastfood world continues to grow in escalating proportions, the "rise" of organic dining establishments creates the ideal lifestyle in this age of nowness.

In the Philippines, right at the epicenter of Bonifacio Global City is the best place to go to for organic cuisine-Wholesome Table. The current byword in the scene is the brainchild of Bianca Araneta-Elizalde-a prime mover and advocate of healthy and wholistic living in the Philippines. After months since opening, the refreshing concept of dining has successfully become one of the top restos in the country.

Well-designed interiors and and laid back setting reflect a countryside haven right in the metropolis.  Earthy, organic and unpretentious, the foodie habitué echoes the au naturelle lifestyle.  As one enters the restaurant, the look gives anunderstanding and feel of rawness in refinement. Flashy and all that fancy isn't the aesthetic of this natural habitat as it promotes nothing but the best basics. A look into a well thought of menu gives one a sense of variety in dishes without feeling unwanted grease.  Almost like home cooked meals, their specialities are nothing but mouth-watering delights.  Rich and pure flavors  satisfy the most discerning palette as it essentially "real" in essence. One immediately gets the right feeling and without doubt that it's good food you put in your mouth. The grounding "wholesome" experience is really a treat everyone deserves.  Hearty meals on the table is a simple and guiltless  indulgence. Considering anything "organic" in Manila is pricey, a feast in Wholesome Table won't break the bank. A vision of contemporary lifestyle, the forward approach into dining is going back to basics. After all, healthy eating is healthy living.

Outdoor setting.

Common ground.

Design perspective.

The best seats in the house.

Corner story.

Nature's delight.

Specious interiors.

Earthy tones.

Brick it on.

Barnyard effect.

Think green.

Dreaming of good food.

Fresh picks.

A list of musts.

Juice up.

Produce from the farm that your can get a hold of.

Healthy treats for the gods.

Simple pleasures.

The prized egg.

Seafood best.

Meatloaf is the ultimate best seller.

Words to live by.

Visit the Wholesome Table at 2/F Bonifacio High Street Centeal, 30th corner 7th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Opens 11am-10pm Monday to Thursdays and 11am-11am Friday to Sunday.  Visit www.thewholesometable.com