Thursday, August 9, 2012

Melo's Steakhouse

For the first time, I ate one of the finest and one of the most expensive kind of beef this side of the planet could ever have - the Wagyu Beef.  "Wagyu" literally means cow in Japanese.  They say that Wagyu beef is good for your health since it has unsaturated fat. Its meat  is very tender and  very juicy . Wagyu cattle's  genetic predisposition yields a beef that contains a higher percentage of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids than the average  beef thats why its good for your health. I had a photoshoot at one of the finest restaurants that serves authentic Anggus and Wagyu Beef.  This is no other than Melo's - Home of Authentic Anggus Beef and Wagyu Beef at the heart of Burgos Circle over at Bonifacio Global City.

Wagyu Steak at Melo's Bonifacio Global City
Like I said, the beef is so soft and tender. When you have it in your mouth, its like butter melting inside. Its that good! Steaks like these doesnt need a sauce at all. Its just delicious the way it is. I even tried it eating RAW and I was hesitant at first., I had a small piece and damn it was good. You cannot do that with an ordinary beef sold locally. You might end throwing up. It is best to order your Wagyu Steak rare..or medium rare. That way, you will really taste the flavor of the beef. Its really delicious. Its quite an expensive meal and you really have to taste it. I tell you its really good. Look at that slice.. you see that red meat? Its beyond words to describe how good it is. 
Melo's Wagyu Ribs
Besides their super delicious Wagyu Steak, they also have the Wagyu Ribs. Damn this dish is absolutely delicious. The meat just slides of the bone without effort. The meat is so soft and tender. The sauce is simply to die for. Its THAT good. This is heaven in a plate i tell you. There is silence upon eating it. "Galit-Galit" in Filipino.  Nobody is talking, everybody is seriously enjoying the food. This is a must try at Melo's. This is a big bang for your buck and im sure you wont regret ordering this one. 

U.S. Tenderloin Steak 
We also tried their US Tenderloin steak. Like everything else at Melos, this steak is absolutely fabulous. Its so damn delicious. Im actually a terrible blogger coz im lost for words to describe it. Its just soooo gooood.  Usually when you have a steak, you'l ask some A1 steak sauce.., but this one.. you dont need an A1 steak sauce. Just dip it in to its own juice (if it has a little of its own blood, the better). The beef is so soft and tender. Really tasty. Most of the celebrities who dine at Melo's order this. One of their best sellers as well as the Wagyu Beef. Not only the steaks are good, surprisingly the side dish is delicious as well! Using your fork (they have 3 in ur table actually coz its a 5 course meal), combine the carrots the red bell pepper and the potatoes and dip it onto the the potato's sauce - upon shovin it onto ur mouth, your mind goes to blank. Then suddenly u forget your name and its raining flowers... damn its just delicious... Do it all over and over again. Its really good..  

Having Steak is best with Red Wine
The perfect companion for your steaks is Red Wine. Melo's offers a wide selection of wines. Red, white, champagnes even all sorts of liquor is available at the bar. Melo's has this really nice wine storage and i saw a number wines chilled.  You can actually see it everywhere. They usually serve them in big Goblets.  I do apologize I didnt had the chance to write the name  of the wine but i tell you its one of those words that is difficult to pronounce.. =)

This is where they store the goodies =) 
This is the huge fridge where the beef are stored. Before they cook the beef, they slice it and they weigh it in front of you. Then they will cook it the way you want it. This is to ensure that you will get most out of what you will order. Pretty neat huh? About this shot, i really want to emphasize the fridge at the back. Having it exposed properly makes the other areas dark.. thats why I have to use my portable softbox to illuminate the other areas. 

Lovely interior. Everything is in order. Table setting is amazing
This is the lovely interior of Melo's, Bonifacio Global City . I really have to give credit to Sir Daniel for giving an extra effort making everything spic and span. He had the back to carry those big flower vases! Making it more appealing in the picture. He wants  it organized down to the last detail. His staff is amazing as well. They were very nice and hospitable.  Everything is beautiful. The ambiance is just astounding! No wonder celebrities flock in here for a great dining experience.  Food is great, place is excellent and the service is exceptional. 

Ensogo will soon launch a deal with Melos and this is really great because there is a huge discount on their Wagyu Steaks and Ribs. Normally these kind of dishes will make your eyes pop when you see how expensive the are. With Ensogo's great deals on their selected meals, more people can enjoy the taste of authentic Wagyu Beef. Im excited actually for this one because i tasted it and i really loved it and I really do want to go back and try it again. Even though its quite expensive than the normal steakhouses, nobody complains because Melo's steaks is just phenomenal. The dining experience is just marvelous. You have to try it to yourself. Watch out for their deal at www.Ensogo.com.ph coming real soon! 

For more details about Melo's, visit their website at www.melossteaks.com. You can give them a call at their different branches at : Alabang:  771-2288 & 771-3945 ,    Makati:  899-2456 & 899-9403 ,    Quezon City:  924-9194 & 924-9168  and at    Fort Bonifacio:  403-5969 & 403-5969

Its quite an honor shooting at Melos. Thanks to Sir Daniel and his staff.  Also to Jossie who assisted me with the photoshoot. I know its been raining hell that time but what the heck, chilling at Melos is simply remarkable. Melos is indeed Manila's finest steakhouse!

Monday, August 6, 2012

Mcdonald's Twister Fries

Twister Fries is back! I so love Mcdo's Twister fries. But I was a little disappointed because the quantity seems to be lesser than before.. Even the packaging went petite! Ever since Mcdo introduced this I was instantly hooked and I always order this than the usual fries. I even love having it without ketchup! I heard Mcdonalds will only sell the twister fries for only three weeks. I just hope its not true.. Hope it would last a little longer... This is my lunch by the way. Cheeseburger meal upgraded to twister fries... Yummmy!  

Friday, August 3, 2012

Tita Paring's Suman Latik

Have you tried Tita Paring's Suman Latik?? If you havent, you must try it coz its very delicious! It is made from the finest "Malagkit" (glutinous rice). Hand mixed to perfection! It is cooked with lye or lihia and then wrapped in banana leaves. Then the sauce is made from coconut milk and brown sugar. Pour it on to the suman latik and God I tell you its like christmas in November! Its so good. 


It lingers in your mouth after that first bite! Its just so good. Really delicious... This is quite heavy in the belly. I guarantee you, a couple of these can make you really full! This is now my favorite suman of all time. 

Tita Paring has been preparing this popular delicacy in Manila since the pre-war era and she perfected the recipe over the years. It originated in Western Samar.  

Its is available in these boxes. 6 pcs per box.  It is great for pasalubongs abroad, for merienda, or even for parties! When refrigerated and handled properly, it will remain soft and fresh for up to 2 weeks.

Ensogo is having a deal with Tita Paring's Suman Latik for a limited time only. For a 100 php, you will have a 200 peso Gift Certificate for every box. Please check out the deal's link for more details. Check it here . Go buy your vouchers now and experience the goodness of Tita Paring's Suman Latik! 

Oh by the way., many thanks to sir Lito for giving us the chance to photoshoot these delicious delicacy. We really had a great time. Many thanks also to Cielo for assisting me with the shoot. Buy your vouchers now! Dont let this one pass by! ;) 

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

A Vision of Grandeur : Waterfront Hotel and Casino Cebu

I am probably one of the luckiest people on earth to be invited at one of the most prestigious  event this side of the country called A Vision of Grandeur : A Fusion of Fashion and Technology at the newly renovated lobby of Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Lahug, Cebu.


The event was so prestigious. People came with their best cocktail dresses and suits. The prominent people of Cebu flocked the grand lobby. They enjoyed the soothing music of the band playing at the middle.


Armed with violins and cellos, these guys played really good music. Very relaxing, very soothing to the ears kind of music which usually i dont normally hear in my everyday grungy life. 

French born pastry chef , Daniel Lagoux and his group of executive pastry chefs  showcased their wonderful creations. There are a wide selection of pastries! Choosing which one to eat first is a tedious task. A lot of them is on bite size so its really easy to eat!  Everything is mouthwatering. Every food is intricately designed  and crafted. Its just so unbelievable the effort making it is just remarkable!   


This one is really good. I apologize I dont  have the name of this pastry and what it is made of but i tell you this one is wickedly delicious. Same goes with the 1st food photo, the combination of the strawberry, blueberry and the mango with a whip of chocolate is just phenomenal... Its bursting with flavour i cant describe. Its really good!  


In every party, theres always a favorite..and this one is one of them! The Chocolate Fountain! This looks lovely and very delicious. They have different kinds fruits and marshmallows on the side. Dunk it in and feel the chocolate rush!  


I grabbed the opportunity to take a photo of Chef Lagoux. I was hesitant at first but what the heck. He seems to be a very nice man. I asked for a photo and he deeply obliged. He told me to wait one moment, then he grabbed a plate, placed on some of his creations and posed. I dunno if he's psychic or what because thats the poze that i actually want him to do. He holds the honor of receiving the “Maitre de Gout” (Master of Taste) award from the Corporate Chefs of America.  It was an honor meeting him. 


While munching with some gourmet food, i looked up and noticed these huge murals on the ceiling. Very interesting actually. It kinda gave me that feel that i jumped into a different time zone or something. Not only the ceilings interests me but the furniture, the structures at the hotel. Its really upscale. 


Once your in the area, it will instantly give you that first class sensation. That aura and the atmosphere of such exclusivity penetrates deeply under the skin. Such a wonderful feeling.  

  

The cutting of the ribbon is high tech! With a press of a button, theres an animated graphic of a red ribbon being cut projected at the walls of the hotel. Honorary guests were Gov. Gwen Garcia, Cong. Cutie del Mar, Mdme. Mariquita Salimbangon Yeung and Department of Tourism Region 7 Director Rowena Montecillo.

General Manager Mr Alfred Portenschlager gave his opening speech and welcomed everybody at the event. He's such a nice guy. Upon arriving at the hotel, he greeted each one of us which is very unusual because I rarely shake a hand of General Manager of one of the biggest hotel in the country. In his speech, he spoke about the changes that went through the hotel. The huge renovation of the lobby. The upgrades in interior design and technology of the hotel. Hiring international executive chefs.. all of these were all carried out for the benefit of the hotel's guests. Giving them the experience of grandeur.Which indeed I felt!
Even the uniforms of the hotel staff is not the ordinary. The uniforms were designed by world renowned fashion designer - Mr. Rajo Laurel! Wow!  

Short after the ribbon cutting ceremony, the fashion show began. Highly acclaimed fashion designers showcased their works of art at the runway. 

 Beautiful collections by Cary Santiago , Edwin Ao , Jun Escario , Oj Hofer , Protacio Empaces and Philip Rodriguez grazed the runway leaving us all in awe.  


After the fashion show, the guests enjoyed the rest of the night at the brand new hotel lobby as the band plays on top with some jazzy tunes. I also had the chance to mingle with the members of the media who were there with us.Also, I had an opportunity to speak to Sir Alfred.   

He told me about the vision of grandeur not only with Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu but also the other Waterfront  hotels around the country. He plans to renovate the hotels in Davao and also in Manila - which is the Manila Pavillion. This is just the start. He wanted to give that 1st class  feel to the hotel's guests. A delightful experience grand enough for everybody to enjoy. World class amenities, world class service, truly the characteristics of the best hotels in the world and you will find it here at Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu.    

I would like to thank Waterfront Hotel and Casino Cebu, most specially to Sir Alfred. It was such an honor. Also to Ms Maui of Manila Pavilion who invited me for this grand event. She even made a way to let me bring Abby to the event. Thank you so much Ms. Maui. Also to the staff of Waterfront Hotel, from the ladies and gentlemen at the front desk, to the concierge, and to the shuttle drivers, they are very nice. Awesome service indeed. Thank you so much. Also to Abby, for the continuous love and support. 

Even though the trip was fast and short, it was quite an experience. Me and Abby had a great time. Till next time! Again, Congratulations to Waterfront Hotel and Casino Cebu.