If you suddenly just appeared inside Arabela Café, you would never believe that you’re in the middle of Liliw, Laguna. The low ceiling, quaint tables, the art-and-vintage inspired decor, the tasty dishes off a very cosmopolitan menu would probably remind you of a small café in the middle of the city. In reality though, Arabela [...]

Tsibog.com got a chance to see Makati Shangri-La‘s Chef Karl Krautler in action at the shoot of QTV‘s Secrets of the Masters. We have the goods on two of Chef Krautler’s intriguing and fresh recipes: a fresh starter dish – Soya Jelly with Grated Tuna and Wasabi Mayonnaise and Microgreens, and a very interesting main dish – Sumac Spice Lamb Cutlets in Grenadine Syrup and Feta Cheese Salad. Chef Karl Krautler was born in Austria but has had positions in numerous countries and cities all over the world — France, Australia, London and India to name a few. Read more on this gastronomic encounter from Tsibog.com.

Christmas Dinner in the Philippines is called the “Noche Buena”. This is the one dinner in the entire year when the entire family eats together; from the parents to the their children to their grand children. Every member of the Filipino family is required to be in the noche buena. Here is a photo log of our family’s noche buena last Christmas 2008. Enjoy viewing these Noche Buena photos.

Lechon is arguably one of the favorite specialty foods for Filipinos in and outside of the Philippines. If the sight and smell of a whole pig roasted to perfection brings pleasure, what more the taste of it? I have tasted many types and variants of lechon from different places in the Philippines – from North to South – but last week it was my first time to taste the Native Lechon made by the Cotta family in Lucena City, Quezon Province.

Inside, read my attempt to describe the taste of the Cotta Native Lechon. Crispy outside. Tender and juicy inside. Sounds like a commercial huh? I dare you to try Cotta Native Lechon and tell me if you think otherwise. Just take a look at the pictures of the lechon inside I guarantee you will want to taste this lechon, too.

By Valerie Tort

Tea is a great morning starter and a calming herbal concoction to cater people from different age groups. Tea is the next most popular drink to water. Just like morning or mid-afternoon coffee breaks, drinking tea is usually associated with healthy and satisfying rituals or get-togethers.

Different researches show that drinking approximately two to four cups of tea per day may cut down the risk of developing cancers and heart disease, and at the same time increase the level of antioxidants in the body. In addition, a cup of tea can lessen the cravings for high fat and sugar laden foods.

Find the perfect Tea type for you

By Valerie Tort

Amid the Starbucks phenomena, how many of us know that that the Philippines grows the best verieties of coffee in the world? And the kapeng barako is just one of them.

More and more people are becoming coffee drinkers. Coffee has become a part of the everyday Filipino diet. Remember the choice of tapa (smoked meat) or longanisa (Filipino sausage) served with sinangag (fried rice) and fried egg paired with coffee for a Filipino breakfast? How about the merienda of cuchinta and coffee?

Find out more Philippine Coffee variety

By Excel V. Dyquiangco

A fusion of world-class dishes blends seamlessly in a chic and modern lifestyle dining at Serendra in The Fort. For call center agents who would want to have a taste of just about everything anywhere in the world, then they don’t have to look far: Serendra pleases various palates yearning for more than just coffee.

Like a concoction of your favorite dish, made with a tad bit of everything, and soothing appetizers to taste, Serendra offers Thai, Vietnamese, Italian, Hawaiian, Brazilian, Japanese, Chinese and of course, Filipino meals.

Check out the Serendra Dining Strip Manila restaurants

By Valerie Tort

The Asian art of cooking introduced a hearty mix of dining pleasure, distinct satisfaction, and protection against diseases with miso.

Miso is the star of the homegrown dishes. Now, it makes me wonder what magic does miso have that it is treated in such a way that other spices and ingredients would be jealous of. What is miso?

More about Miso, favorite Asian cooking ingredient

By Jodelen Ortiz

The food industry is an essential element to promote tourism. Most tourists, especially those from other countries would always look for authentic Filipino cuisine and Philippine exotic food. In fact, some tourist spots bexame widely popular particularly because of their food. No wonder, there are provinces with festivals and events that flood the street with lechons, bangus (milkfish) and pantat (catfish) dishes.

Tourism without the food and restaurants are either non-existent, dying or weak. Thank God, Puerto Princesa City’s tourism condition is none of these three.

Continue: Puerto Princesa City, Palawan Restaurant Guide

By Jodelen O. Ortiz

When I was in Singapore an associate asked me: “What food in the Philippines do you consider very unique that only the bold and daring could eat?” My instant reply: Tamilok, a favorite delicacy in Palawan province.

Tamilok is a mangrove worm that is not exactly a worm. Although it looks like one, it is actually a mangrove-boring mollusk. Palawan’s natural resources boosts of large mangrove areas, especially on the northern part covering municipalities of Taytay, El Nido, Busuanga, Culion, Coron and Linapacan. These are the towns that are also frequently visited by tourists of different nationalities, according to statistics.

Learn more about this favorite Palawan delicacy, Tamilok