Yet again—with three new grill houses established for different types of clientele, as the Hyatt Hotel and Casino’s Fireplace (Malate, Manila,) Peninsula Manila’s Old Manila Restaurant (Makati City,) and Creek-Side Mall’s Steak MD (Tomas Morato, Quezon City,) for purist and modern steak aficionados, that serve steaks in relatively fine culinary flair—Manila booms with the culinary art of popularized rotisserie.

Women, most especially Filipinas are regarded as the Supreme beings of the kitchen, in a traditional perspective. In the Philippines—since the old days, and even up to this time—they are the superheroes of the banquet table, and the household because they are willing to do everything for the protection and care of their family.

I discovered this place months ago when taking the Mandaluyong Maysilo circle going to Makati. I noticed this restaurant that read "Korean-Filipino Restaurant" but curiously saw a lot of Korean script. Chonjoo is run by the Kim family with Mrs. Kim taking over the kitchen. Her mother-in law who comes every now and then prepares batches of Kimchee and fermented pastes to ensure the authencity of the home-style cooking they have. The "Filipino" in "Korean-Filipino" on the restaurant sign seems to be a wishful desire of the family to blend in their new home. One finds their kids walking around, although the place is well equipped to enjoy by the tableside some bulgogi or hotpot. Mrs. Kim runs what is typical of a Korean working man’s place where one eats and drinks among a company of friends.

Filet de Boeuf Roti (Roast Filet of Beef)

Imagine yourself being transported to the Mediterranean. With pita bread, beef carpaccio, dolmades… The experience could be quite extraordinary.

It has become a sort of icon for Filipino food lovers. And if the influx of old and new patrons on its branches is an indication of success, Gerry’s Grill is definitely on top of the hill. The joint has come a long way since founder Gerry Apolinario opened the first Gerry’s Grill branch on February 14, 1997 at Tomas Morato corner Eugenio Lopez Ave. in Quezon City. Now, eight years after with 17 branches built nationwide, Gerry’s Grill is still pulsating with excitement as it continue to polish to perfection the art of good food.

Wine drinking is both an art and an experience. And to enjoy the subtle pleasures of wine does not mean burning a hole in your pocket. Good quality wine, even for beginners, can be just as affordable. The key is to remember that wine works best when enjoyed in the company of friends or other wine enthusiasts.

La Salsa Restaurant, situated along Araneta Ave., Quezon City—Robbinsdale Hotel’s emissary tap house of fine Cuisine—is a candid and small food hub, that relatively serves the best tacos in Manila (and consolidates an amazing lineup of Tex-Mex culinary favorites) based on the chef’s gustatory romance on Mexican cuisine.

It isn’t hard to tell what this restaurant is all about. By the name itself, the Red Crab Seafood and Steaks emblazons its specialization on the cuisine of crabs. And it must be darn good to ask for buckets of it here. But for those a little short on cash (a bucket of 4 to 5 crabs will cost around P800,) the restaurant has an abundant number of seafood dishes that can take your mind of that rather pricey crustacean.

Everyone seems to have some questions on their Christmas baked products and giveaways. We received so many letters the past few weeks regarding problems besetting our readers with baking stuffs, storing and packaging them this Christmas. We cannot answer some of these questions since they were already discussed before in our past issues. Please read them through the Manila Bulletin website. Thank you.

Who says healthy food can’t be delicious? Pancake House has made it possible to combine low-fat protein-rich ingredients into appetizing concoctions. How? Through four, all-new vegetable salads and the Lite Pancake Syrup and Lite Iced Tea!