#DiamondHotelPhilippines

[thehungrykat1]

Mad Monster Lab Halloween Event at Diamond Hotel Philippines

Budding scientists and young geniuses, prepare to be amazed! Diamond Hotel Philippines is bringing science to life with a dash of wicked wonder at the Mad Monster Lab Halloween Event on Sunday, October 27, 2024 from 9am to 2pm.  Join the excitement and get a chance to win Roundtrip Airline Tickets for 2 persons via Cebu Pacific to Boracay, Palawan, Cebu, or Bohol, and hotel gift certificates! Let your curiosity run wild as their weird and wacky scientists cook up live experiments before your very eyes – and if you dare, you can be part of the fun, too! With colorful musical performances, an out-of-this-world giant bubble show, and thrilling games, you’re in for an a-boo-solutely great time with family and friends. 

Channel a new disguise at the face painting booth, make like a mad scientist and “build” a donut, and whip up something truly twisted – literally! – with their crafty balloon twister. Show up in your most terror-riffic getup to go Trick-or-Treating for more goodies, then flaunt your style at the costume parade for a chance to win a special prize. Don’t forget to bring home a snapshot from the photo booth as a keepsake! Purchase your event ticket for only P2,800 net per person, inclusive of a bento lunch, loot bag, and access to the Halloween event and the monstrously cool activities waiting for you. Get your tickets for the Mad Monster Lab Halloween Event at Diamond Hotel Philippines at onlineshopping.diamondhotel.com. You may also purchase tickets at the hotel.

Have a screaming great time this October with a family getaway! For a starting rate of P9,800 net per night in a Deluxe Room, you can get two tickets to the Mad Monster Lab Halloween Event on October 27, 2024 when you book the Halloween Staycation package until October 26, 2024. Valid for stays until October 27, 2024. Additional inclusions are complimentary buffet breakfast for two, 20% off dine-in offers at all hotel restaurants, free Wi-Fi, and access to the Health Club and Spa facilities and swimming pool. Other room categories are also available. Book your stay now at www.diamondhotel.com. For inquiries, call (632) 8528 3000 and request for the Events Team for tickets or the Reservations Team for the Halloween Staycation package. 

[machified]

Thank you Ma'am VS 😊🙏🏼 #diamondhotelphilippines #ensaymada #specialty #eat #pray #love #food #foodie (at Diamond Hotel Philippines)

[joneluy]

Lovely #desserts from @DiamondHotelPH. #NomNomClub .com #DiamondHotel #DiamondhotelPH #diamondhotelphilippines (at Diamond Hotel Philippines)

[between-breathing-and-heartbeats]

The Infinite Effect 😄 #infiniteinmanila #diamondhotelphilippines (at MOA Arena, Mall Of Asia)

[annwanderlust-blog]

Officially resigned. Thanks for the memories and experience, Diamond Hotel! I'll be forever grateful! <3 #DiamondHotelPhilippines #FirstWork (at Diamond Hotel Philippines)

[thehungrykat1]

Diamond Hotel Launches Galleon Trade Filipino Food Festival at Corniche

Diamond Hotel Philippines just launched a unique Filipino Food Festival at the Corniche restaurant that lets guests discover a selection of fascinating dishes from the Galleon Trade era.

From June 26 to July 7, 2024, Corniche transforms into a history and culinary destination as featured chef and culinary heritage advocate Chef Christopher Carangian prepares a Filipino Food Festival buffet that showcases dishes that originated from the 1500s so we can better appreciate our culinary heritage.

The Hungry Kat visited Diamond Hotel Philippines last Wednesday for the launch of the Galleon Trade Filipino Food Festival. This limited-time offering is available for the lunch and dinner buffet at Corniche until July 7 only for P3,880 nett per person.

Chef Christopher Carangian will personally guide diners into the origins of Filipino cuisine. As Founder and President of Razorchef Philippines and Punong Heneral of the Culinary Generals of the Philippines, Chef Carangian’s passion for exploring and reintroducing local, traditional dishes aims to promote the country’s historical identity.

We went to Diamond Hotel Philippines with a few of our foodie friends on the first night of the Galleon Trade Filipino Food Festival. Take a journey to the past and enjoy featured specialties steeped in culinary culture from the era of the Galleon Trade.

Let's start our adventure with the classic Filipino Mechado. This is called mechado or Mocha in Spanish because of the pork fat inserted in the middle of the meat which resembles a dynamite wick. There's also the Negrita which is Bacoor Cavite's version of the Arroz Negro Paella.

Ciento Quince is an almost extinct Chavacano Dish with Ciento Quince Piezas or 115 pieces of chilies added to the dish. Make sure you are ready for this spicy dish.

We are all familiar with the Caldereta which is a slow cooked beef stew that is always rich in flavors. The Filipino Food Festival at Corniche also comes with these traditional dishes that have survived the test of time.

On the other hand, the Menudo Rojo is a Spanish style menudo which is a bit different from the ones we usually see. It comes with a darker sauce but the ingredients are still mostly the same.

The Adobo de los Naturales is a dish that originated all the way back in 1613. This is currently known as dry adobo and is made from a combination of pork and chicken.

Chef Christopher told us about his personal story with the Zapote Chicken BBQ, a Bacooreño heritage grilled chicken dish. This is part of his childhood when they usually ate chicken bbq while watching movies inside the cinemas. Now, he recreates this classic dish as one of his own favorites.

From the year 1529 comes the Potaje de Adobado de Gallina, a chicken dish inspired by the Pipian which originated in Mexico. This recipe was found from Spanish Chef Rupert de Nola's cookbook, El Libro de Cozina, which was published in 1529.

Another dish to be highlighted during the food festival is the Quilauin from 1794, the first Filipino food seen by Antonio Pigafetta and referred to as the First Adobo.

As Filipinos, we must always have rice during our meals, so all of these classic dishes will go well with the Sinaing sa Pandan or white rice served on pandan leaves.

A festive celebration will not be complete without the Lechon, so Corniche makes sure to bring out its own crispy and juicy whole roasted pig for everyone to enjoy.

Guests dining during the Galleon Trade Filipino Food Festival will also be treated to all the international buffet stations that you can always find at Corniche. The centerpiece is this fresh seafood station that comes with crabs, prawns, mussels, salads, and more.

The Japanse Station is always one of my favorites at Corniche, especially with their salmon and tuna sashimi, maki, plus the crunchy tempura.

The Chinese station is also a popular destination with its dimsum selection, noodle station, Lechon Macau, fried rice, and gorgeous Roasted Duck.

You can find other international offerings all around the buffet like the Vietnamese Grilled Chicken Skewer with cucumber and chili sauce, Soy Marinated Salmon with sambal sauce, and the Grilled Marinated Duck Leg with balsamic sauce.

Other notable dishes include the Lamb Cutlets with Honey and Mustard Seed Crust, Braised Beef Cheek Bourguignon, and Spicy Grilled Stuffed Squid with Pork Filling ad Thai Chili Sauce.

You can also find the Certified Angus Beef Chuck Pot Roast at the carving station waiting to be devoured. Ask the server for a few slices and have them seared a little on the grill.

Don't forget about the desserts because Corniche also comes with plenty of Filipino sweets and treats. Start your adventure at the chocolate fountain and dip your favorite fruits and into the chocolate.

You can also find other tempting items such as the Mango Jasmine cake, Green Tea financier, Champorado, Ensaymada de Leche, and Ensaymada de tsokolate.

There are also lots of other sweets including cheesecake, banana chocolate cake, leche flan, ice cream, and a halo-halo station. Diamond Hotel will also recreate the Malolos Congress Dinner of 1898, wherein the proclamation of Philippine Independence was ratified in Bulacan. Savor the best of the original French menu, to be prepared by Chef Carangian, alongside fine wine pairings on July 9, 2024 at the Diamond Ballroom at 7:00pm for P6,800 net per person.

We would like to thank Melanie Samonte and Diamond Hotel Philippines for hosting our Galleon Trade Filipino Food Festival dinner at Corniche. We always have so much fun whenever we visit. Book your tables now!

Diamond Hotel Philippines

Roxas Boulavard cor Dr. J. Quintos Street, Manila

8528-3000

www.diamondhotel.com

onlineshopping.diamondhotel.com

www.facebook.com/diamondhotelphilippines

[thehungrykat1]

Celebrate the Year of the Water Rabbit at Diamond Hotel Philippines

Welcome the Year of the Water Rabbit at Diamond Hotel Philippines! Celebrate Chinese New Year this 2023 while you feast on mouthwatering Chinese dishes created by Chef Yang Yong.

Dine at the Corniche Lunch or Dinner Buffet and savor Chinese New Year favorites and other sumptuous dishes for P3,500 net per person from January 19-22, 2023. Every minimum of P7,000 spent at Corniche during this period entitles guests to “pick-a-prize” from the Prosperity Tree with a chance to win surprises from the hotel.

In addition, Corniche also features Lucky Chinese Set Menus for the occasion. Two sets are for advanced table reservations for Lunch and Dinner with prices starting at P16,800 net, good for five persons. The Special Set Menus are available until the end of January. For more luck, catch the Dragon and Lion dance at the hotel lobby on January 22, 2023 at 11am.

Diamond Hotel also makes it easy for you to dine at home because you can order the Yu-Sheng platter, Lucky Chinese Set Menus, and Savory Chinese Platters from onlineshopping.diamondhotel.com. These offers are available until the end of January. Book your table now! For reservations call 85283000 ext. 1121 or email restaurant_rsvn@diamondhotel.com.

[thehungrykat1]

Diamond Hotel Welcomes the Auspicious Year of the Dragon

Welcome the year of the powerful Dragon in grand style and invite prosperity and luck and when you celebrate at Diamond Hotel Philippines. This February 10, 2024, usher in the Year of the Wood Dragon with your family as you enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel. Rates start at at P8,800 net for Deluxe Room accommodations inclusive of Corniche buffet breakfast for two adults, and two children ages 12 years old and below.

At Corniche, savor the bountiful spread of superb Chinese dishes at the buffet from February 8-11, 2024 prepared by Chinese master chef Yang Yong. Priced at only P3,780 net per person for lunch or dinner, the buffet features traditional New Year celebratory fares. Plus, with a minimum spend of P5,000, seize the opportunity to pluck a prize from the Prosperity Tree and stand a chance to win enticing hotel certificates and more!  

To enhance the festive celebration and beckon good fortune, an exciting Dragon and Lion Dance performance is set on February 10, 2024, 11 AM at the hotel lobby. If you are spending Chinese New Year at home, the hotel’s savory and sweet takeaway platters, and set menu will be perfect for the festivities! Place your orders now at onlineshopping.diamondhotel.com. Available until February 11, 2024. For more information on Diamond Hotel Philippines, please visit www.diamondhotel.com, call (632) 8528-3000 or email guestservices@diamondhotel.com. For hotel updates and special offerings, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/DiamondHotelPhilippines, and Instagram, Tiktok and YouTube at @DiamondHotelPh.

[thehungrykat1]

Diamond Hotel Presents a Spooky Kooky Virtual Halloween Event

Have a howling great time this Halloween at Diamond Hotel Philippines’ Spooky Kooky Virtual Halloween Event on October 25, 2020! It’s a Halloween adventure that will bring the thrills and chills of the spooky season online and right to your home. From 11:00AM, go crazy creative with a Cookie Decorating Live Demo and a Cookie Decorating Kit so you can make your very own monster cookie creation come to life! Learn a few tricks to go with these treats with a Magic Show and an amazing Puppet Show. During the program, fill your monstrous appetite with the special Halloween Lunchbox featuring ghoulish goodies like Count Dracula’s Chicken Drumstick, Bogeyman Mini Burger, and Bloody Spaghetti with Meatballs, with desserts to make the scares sweeter like Diamond Donuts of Doom and Creepy Creature Cupcakes. Don’t forget to show off your best Halloween Costume and you just might get an award. Plus, expect more surprises at the event!

Purchase your online tickets now for only P950 nett per person, inclusive of special Halloween Lunchbox and Cookie Decorating Kit at onlineshopping.diamondhotel.com! Let the whole family join in on the wicked fun and get one complimentary ticket for every purchase of four. Online ticket orders for the Halloween Event must be placed by October 23 and call to schedule pick-up of the Halloween Lunchbox and Cookie Decorating Kit. Orders must be picked up on October 25, 2020 from 7:00AM-10:00AM at the Main Entrance of Diamond Hotel Philippines. For further assistance, please call (632) 8528-3000 or email events@diamondhotel.com.

[thehungrykat1]

Order Your Culinary Favorites from Diamond Hotel’s Online Shopping Site

Your Diamond all-time favorites are back! With the Online Shopping Site of Diamond Hotel Philippines, you can now browse through a selection of sweet treats and savory platters, and purchase ready-to-eat delights that will satisfy your cravings.

Enjoy classics like the ever-popular Diamond Ensaymada in Ube or Plain, bestselling Supermoist Chocolate Cake, or the award-winning Baked Cheesecake in the comfort of your home. French Macarons, Chocolate Cream Puff and Banana Loaf are also available. For the savory picks, select a premium sandwich or platters-to-go that will reintroduce your palate to the flavors that you’ve missed. Chinese-style dishes, and heartwarming pasta and noodle choices are also on the menu, ideal for sharing. With the variety of culinary stars lined up for order online, there’s bound to be something enticing for every mood and every day of the week. Also, be sure to check daily for new and exciting offers.

With Mother’s Day just around the bend, it’s the perfect opportunity to bring back the spark of special occasions with a collection of party platters and cakes. Let Mom know just how much you appreciate all that she has done for you and the whole family with flavorful dishes and decadent baked goodies. From Filipino, Chinese, Japanese, to Intercontinental set menus, these specialties are guaranteed to leave everyone full and content – especially Mom!

Make your way to onlineshopping.diamondhotel.com now and place that order! You may also send an email to restaurant_rsvn@diamondhotel.com or call (63)926-156-9866 daily from 9:00AM to 5:00 PM for further assistance. A minimum of P300 is required for an order to be placed. Orders must be placed at least 2 days before the scheduled pick-up. Payments may be made via credit card, PayPal, or online bank transfers (for Bank of Commerce and Metrobank only). Orders must be picked up at the Main Entrance of Diamond Hotel Philippines, Roxas Boulevard, cor. Dr. J. Quintos St., Manila daily from 9:00AM to 5:00PM. 

For inquiries, please call (632) 8528-3000 or email guestservices@diamondhotel.com. For more information on Diamond Hotel Philippines, please visit www.diamondhotel.com. For hotel updates and special offers, follow the hotel on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @DiamondHotelPh.

[thehungrykat1]

Seafood Night Fridays at Corniche in Diamond Hotel

I spent a lot of my childhood years at my lola’s hometown of Pollilo Island where seafood was so bountiful and cheap. That is why I always have an affinity for fresh and delicious seafood dishes. Going to a seafood market is a good way to find these fresh catch all in one place, but Diamond Hotel Philippines is making it even better as they offer their “Paluto-style” Seafood Night every Friday at Corniche.

Diamond Hotel is turning the paluto experience up a notch with their Seafood a la Minute Special Dinner every Friday. Have your endless fill of succulent seafood dishes cooked and prepared especially for you as part of the dinner buffet at Corniche. Catch the Chef of the Day as they work their culinary prowess and astound you with signature and custom seafood dishes prepared according to your liking for only P2,990 nett per person.

I recently learned about Diamond Hotel’s new themed buffet dinners which featured different specialties each night. I just love seafood so I went to Corniche two weeks ago to try their Seafood Night. Corniche is the hotel’s all-day dining cafe located at the lobby level. Highlighted by the lush landscaped garden view and picturesque rock formation with a cascading waterfall, Corniche offers an exceptional breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet spread and an extensive all-day international a la carte menu. 

Friday Nights are now more special because the buffet will feature plenty of fresh seafood choices that are laid out wet paluto-style. But instead of a smelly wet market, guests can experience an exquisite setting where you can pick and choose your favorite seafood items and have them cooked according to your preference. Best of all, everything is unlimited so you can get your crabs, lobsters, prawns, mussels, and everything else without having to worry about the extra charges.

Some of the highlights at the fresh seafood station include crabs, crab claws, curacha, rock lobsters, squids, Chilean mussels, and a variety of fish like Lapu-Lapu (grouper), tilapia, and more.

There are several ways of preparing your seafood items from Chinese and Japanese to Filipino style cooking methods. This means an almost endless variety of dishes that will leave you full and satisfied.

These Fresh River Prawns are so big, especially with their giant heads. I had them cooked first Chinese-style with Black Pepper sauce.

I highly suggest you try their Baked Fresh River Prawns which are cooked with lots and lots of cheese. Because the prawns are so big, you can really taste all the melted cheese that comes along with it.

One local way of enjoying prawns and shrimp is the Sinigang na Hipon. This version from Corniche is so good that you will want to pair it with steaming white rice.

Don’t forget the lobsters! Corniche offers unlimited Rock Lobsters which I had cooked with garlic butter. You can also mix in some crabs and shrimps and have them cooked in chili garlic if you prefer.

One of my favorites that evening was the Sweet and Sour Lapu Lapu which was really so good. The skin was extra crispy and I loved it so much that I actually ordered a second round for the table. Another Chinese way of preparing grouper is Steamed with light soy sauce, so this is also a highly recommended option.

Aside from the Seafood a la Minute section, there are many other places to explore at Corniche. Being a meatlover as well, I naturally headed for the Grill Station where you can have pork or chicken skewers, beef tenderloin, and salmon belly grilled on the spot.

I loved the tender Prime Rib Steak at the Carving station. Ask for a slice or two and have them sear it on the grill. The steak is smokey and very flavorful. Pair it with some vegetables or some seafood items to create your own Surf and Turf plate.

There is also the Japanese Station with their sushi, sashimi, and tempura, while the Chinese Station has plenty of dimsum and wok-fried dishes. Corniche actually offers several themed dinner buffet nights for the week. Thursday nights feature Flavors of China with Chinese Sous Chef Yang Yong showcasing his specialties while Saturdays are reserved for carnivores with Steak Night.

Cap off your seafood buffet with sweet treats at the Dessert Station. The Seafood a la Minute will be available every Friday until August but I am hoping that they will extend it even further. I’m already planning to go back this Friday to have more of that Sweet and Sour Lapu Lapu.��If you are a BDO credit card holder, you can get a 40% discount at Corniche until August 31, 2019! That means you would only have to pay P1,794 nett for the Corniche Seafood Night. You can also go to onlineshopping.diamondhotel.com for special dining voucher promos. See you at Corniche!

Diamond Hotel Philippines

Roxas Boulavard cor Dr. J. Quintos Street, Manila

528-3000

www.diamondhotel.com

onlineshopping.diamondhotel.com

www.facebook.com/diamondhotelphilippines

[thehungrykat1]

Shake, Rattle and Roll: A Diamond Hotel Halloween Event

Join in the Halloween fun with your friends featuring Filipino folklore creatures at Shake, Rattle and Roll: A Diamond Hotel Halloween Event on October 27, 2019 from 10AM to 2PM at the Diamond Ballroom and Corniche. Have a cackling-good time in this one-of-a-kind kids’ party with tickets priced at P1,000 nett per person, inclusive of a take-home snack box of treats (no tricks!) and full access to the awesome activities and games bonanza. What’s more terrifyingly terrific is that you get a chance to win Roundtrip Airline Tickets for 2 to Singapore via Cebu Pacific at the Grand Raffle! Shake up your Halloween thrill with toothsome goodies at the trick-or-treat trail across the hotel. Rattle your creative juices at the arts and crafts booths or roll out a hair-raising transformation at the face painting and glitter tattoo stations. Don’t forget to grab a monstrously delicious bite at the food booths. Strut into the spotlight in your spookiest and most creative costume for a chance to win spellbinding, special prizes!

Make it a Spooktacular Stay for the whole family. A special Halloween room package is available for bookings until October 27, 2019, inclusive of 1 FREE ticket (per room, per stay basis) to the Halloween Event. For as low as P6,000 nett per night in a Deluxe Room, it’s a great way to chill your bones, along with buffet breakfast for two at Corniche, complimentary Wi-Fi access, 20% off massage and laundry services, access to the Health Club & Spa facilities and swimming pool, and weekend shuttle service to Intramuros and SM Mall of Asia. The Spooktacular Stay is also available at P5,500 nett per night until November 1, 2019 without a free Halloween Event ticket. Use the promo code HALLOW when you book your stay at www.diamondhotel.com.

For event ticket inquiries, call 528-3000 ext. 8461 and for room reservations call  528-3000 ext. 1140 to 43. You may also purchase Halloween tickets via onlineshopping.diamondhotel.com. Diamond Indulgence members are entitled to a P100 discount for a maximum of 4 tickets.

[thehungrykat1]

Diamond Hotel Holds Philippine Culinary Heritage: A Filipino Food Festival Featuring Chef Carangian

We have always thought of Filipino food as being influenced by the more than 300-year Spanish colonial period, but have you ever wondered what our cuisine was like before that? It’s time for a delicious history lesson as Diamond Hotel Philippines holds a Filipino food festival called Philippine Culinary Heritage at Corniche.

Culinary heritage advocate Chef Christopher Carangian takes us on a food journey steeped in culture and tradition as we retrace the footsteps of the Philippines’ roots at Diamond Hotel Philippines. Explore an anthology of illuminated Filipino flavors from June 19 to 30, 2019 at the Corniche restaurant, where a spread of fascinating regional recipes and rediscovered delicacies await to be savoured and celebrated. Diners can relive the tastes and aromas of Filipino history during the lunch and dinner buffets for P2,990 nett per person. 

Corniche is Diamond Hotel’s all-day dining cafe located at the lobby level. Highlighted by the lush landscaped garden view and picturesque rock formation with a cascading waterfall, Corniche offers an exceptional breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet spread with an extensive international a la carte menu. 

I visited Diamond Hotel with my friends last Wednesday during the first day of the food festival. This is quite different from the other Filipino food festivals I have been to which usually features current regional specialties instead of historical ones. To give a touch of excitement to the event, Diamond Hotel is also giving guests with a minimum spend of P5,000 at the Corniche lunch or dinner buffet a raffle ticket for a chance to win a 2-night stay in Baguio!

Let Chef Christopher Carangian be your guide as you delve into the origins of Filipino cuisine through his prepared dishes. As founder and president of Razorchef Philippines and Punong Heneral of the Culinary Generals of the Philippines, Chef Carangian’s passion for exploring and reintroducing local, traditional dishes aims to promote the Philippines’ historical identity. This gastronomical adventure is definitely one for the history books.

The Philippine Culinary Heritage features specialties that brim with timeless tales and customs. These are served alongside the regular buffet offerings of Corniche that include appetizers, Chinese and Japanese stations, and the seafood paluto station. But for tonight, it is historical Filipino cuisine which takes center stage.

Let’s start with this curry-style dish called the Adobong Dilaw ni Aguinaldo. This is a special heirloom specialty from the second wife of General Emilio Aguinaldo. She added turmeric to the traditional adobo, giving it a yellow hue and a different dining experience altogether.

Another one from Aguinaldo’s Picks is the Steamed Chicken ni Meong. This simple yet satisfying dish is one of the favorites of President Emilio Aguinaldo as his weak stomach kept him on a diet of light viands.

On the other hand, the Warik-Warik from Northern Luzon is a cross between the Kapampangan Sisig and the Ilocano Dinakdakan. It uses black pig as its main ingredient which is crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside. This was once part of a ritual invoking the wisdom of the gods, highlighting the best fresh native pork has to offer. It contains liempo cut and choice offal infused with ginger and other aromatics, along with liver spread for a modern take on an ancient, communal meal.

The Ciento Quinse is an extinct Chavacano dish which is one of the highlights of the food festival. Originating from Cavite, its main ingredients consist of jackfruit and coconut milk merged with crabs, shrimps, and mussels alongside juicy liempo. This long-forgotten tradition should definitely be brought back into modern Filipino cuisine.

A better-known delicacy is the Pancit Langlang of Imus, Cavite, one of Dr. Jose Rizal’s favorite dishes which he even included in his novel El Filibusterismo. This sotanghon soup contains quail eggs, shrimps, and vegetables which serves as a heartwarming merienda favorite.

One surprising soup dish was the Mutya ng Cavite. This is a rich and creamy chowder which features seafood from the coastal town of Cavite. It’s similar to a clam chowder but with a milkier broth.

The Adobong Pusit Rice is a squid ink rice inspired by European cuisine, particularly from the Spaniards. The briny taste and dark color of squid ink is highlighted when it is stewed with rice.

Here’s another interesting dish called the Barakong Bibe which uses Kapeng Barako, the famous coffee of Batangas, as a marinade for the duck. The full-bodied taste of the Kapeng Barako marinade goes well with the rendered fat of deep-fried duck.

Did you know that the first record of the popular lechon was from the Italian scholar Antonio Pigafetta who joined Ferdinand Magellan on his voyage around the world? He wrote of a feast with roasted pig in Cebu, so the Nilitson na Baboy ni Pigafetta is a tribute to his culinary discovery. It comes with crisp, cracked skin and flavorful meat characterized by this charcoal-roasted native black pig.

No Filipino feast is complete without the lechon so it is only fitting that the main carving station of the Philippine Culinary Heritage highlights this amazing and indulgent pig. Have some of the crispy lechon skin to complement the tender and juicy meat.

The dessert station also features a variety of Filipino sweets and delicacies starting with bibingka, mini kinampay ensaymada, and halo halo.

Top your glass of halo halo with some Sorbetes or Filipino Ice Cream to complete this refreshing dessert. The Ubi Kinampay is Bohol’s vibrant and fragrant version of the ube. This “Queen of Ube” is said to be the food of the engkantos or spirits. There is also the Criollo Cacao or “The King of Chocolates” which is now extinct in its country of origin, Mexico, but is abundant in the Philippines. This is a very bitter chocolate flavor that tastes similar to the native hot tsokolate.

Other tasty treats you can find include the Minukmok which is made of bananas and sweet potatoes. This rich and sweet dessert is part of a courtship ritual practiced in Quezon. The success of a couple’s relationship is believed to be determined by the sweetness of the minukmok they make together. You can also grab some pieces of Tinustang Pastillas, a popular milk-based confectionary that is torched for an indulgent, caramelized twist.

They also have the Chilled and Fresh Taho which was introduced by the Chinese. This very familiar streetside soy-based snack is drizzled with brown sugar syrup and topped with tapioca pearls. There are also a variety of cakes and colorful macarons that are sure to give everyone a sweet and delightful ending.

Make sure to visit the Philippine Culinary Heritage: A Filipino Food Festival at Diamond Hotel Philippines this week and sample some of the traditional Filipino dishes that our ancestors enjoyed all those centuries ago. This unique display of Filipino cuisine is one history lesson you should not miss.

Diamond Hotel Philippines

Roxas Boulavard cor Dr. J. Quintos Street, Manila

528-3000

www.diamondhotel.com

onlineshopping.diamondhotel.com

www.facebook.com/diamondhotelphilippines

[machified]

Baked Cheesecake 💕#diamondhotelphilippines #favorite #eat #pray #love #DiamondHotel (at Diamond Hotel Philippines)

[thehungrykat1]

Teppanyaki All You Can at Yurakuen in Diamond Hotel

Diamond Hotel Philippines has been one of my most frequented hotels in the past few years ever since I discovered and tried their signature dining establishments. Corniche is my usual destination whenever they hold their special food festivals and promotional buffets. Bar 27 is a always a great spot to view the majestic Manila Bay sunset. I have also dined at Yurakuen before for their a la carte menu (Read: Yurakuen Japanese Restaurant Introduces New Menu), but there’s one thing that I have always wanted to try but have never done so until now, their Eat-All-You-Can Teppanyaki.

Yurakuen is Diamond Hotel’s award-winning Japanese restaurant located at the ground floor, just past its equally elegant lobby lounge. This dining oasis is one of the prettiest places you can find in the city, even with all the newer hotels and resorts that have opened. I always marvel at its three-story high floor-to-ceiling glass windows illuminating the iconic glass cherry blossom tree in the center.

For this afternoon, our venue will be inside one of the dedicated Teppanyaki Rooms of Yurakuen where all the fiery action happens. I’m having lunch with Ms. Melanie Pallorina, Public Relations Manager for Diamond Hotel and we have a lot of catching up to do since my return from London summer school.

Yurakuen offers a very exciting Eat-All-You-Can Teppanyaki option for P2,980 nett per person on weekdays and P3,300 nett per person on weekends and holidays. The prices may be on the high side, but the quality of the premium seafood and steaks really make it all worth it.

The Teppanyaki buffet also comes with other Japanese appetizers, salads and soups. You can order anything from the menu and these will be prepared especially for you.

We started our adventure with the Garden Salad and warm Miso Soup. A set of teppanyaki sauces will also be provided to pair with the savoury meats and seafood later.

The Eat-All-You-Can Teppanyaki also comes with refillable orders of juices, sodas, or hot tea.

The sashimi at Yurakuen are always fresh and of the highest quality. I got a plate of Salmon, Tuna, and White Meat Fish Sashimi to keep me happy before we fired up the teppanyaki grill.

I do love seafood so we started with a platter of their premium seafood items. What’s great about teppanyaki buffets is that you can order only the items that you want and these will be cooked fresh and hot right in front of you.

The plump Tiger Shrimps and Squid were placed on the grill and cooked simply with butter, garlic, and soy sauce. Best of all, the shrimps were already peeled so I can just pop them in my mouth to eat.

The Salmon was another amazing item and we asked the chef to cook it in teriyaki sauce. You can make special requests for your dishes and the chef will prepare it the way you want.

The best seafood item you can order are these gigantic US Scallops. These thick, plump, and juicy scallops are really so heavenly. They are so soft and tender and I can’t believe how big they are. I had 4 pieces for myself and they were quite filling, but I actually asked for another round.

Ask for a platter of Assorted Vegetables which includes mushrooms, asparagus, carrots, bell peppers, and others. These healthy items will be a good balance for some of the more indulgent dishes later on.

We can’t have a complete meal without rice, so go for the Seafood Fried Rice, Beef Fried Rice, or Mixed Fried Rice which the chef will prepare and assemble on the grill.

You can also go for the Yaki Udon if you prefer noodles instead of rice. Both of these dishes are complete meals by themselves but you better leave room for the main courses.

The All-You-Can-Eat Teppanyaki comes with an outstanding lineup of meats for the hungry carnivore. Let your chef fire up the grill one more time and enjoy these meaty options as much as you want.

The US Beef Tenderloin are just absolutely tender and flavorful. I had them cooked medium but you can request for your own preferred level of doneness. If you want it well-done, then that’s no problem at all.

The tenderloin are cut into bite-sized cubes and they are just so good to eat along with the fried rice. They are topped with garlic slices and spring onions to complete the exquisite dish.

Another meaty option is the US Short Ribs which are sliced thinly giving it even more flavors. It’s a bit difficult to eat the bony portions but those are actually the best parts. Don’t hesitate to get your hands dirty for this one.

There is also the Grilled Beef Shabu Shabu which simply melt in your mouth once you bite them. Other options include the Baby Lamb Chop, Pork Tenderloin, and Chicken Thighs but unfortunately, I did not have room for more that afternoon.

But I did have room for desserts which are also included in the teppanyaki menu. They have Assorted Seasonal Fruits and Ice Cream, but if you want something more special, ask them to prepare a scoop of ice cream on top of a mango. They will gladly present it this way for you so you can have a sweeter end to a fantastic meal.

The Eat-All-You-Can Teppanyaki at Yurakuen is available daily for lunch and dinner, but it is better to call for reservations because slots and rooms are limited. You can also take advantage of Diamond Hotel’s Dining Voucher promotions where they offer these at discounted prices. Check out this website which offers the Teppanyaki lunch for only P2,384 nett. Citibank also has a current promotion where card holders can get a 40% discount on Corniche and Bar 27 and a 20% discount on Yurakuen. I was so satisfied with my teppanyaki afternoon and I’ll surely be back for more of those delicious scallops and tenderloin soon.

Yurakuen

Diamond Hotel, Roxas Boulavard cor Dr. J. Quintos Street, Manila

528-3000 / 305-3000

www.diamondhotel.com

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[thehungrykat1]

Chinese Lauriat Set Menu at Diamond Hotel Philippines

Diamond Hotel Philippines is well known for its signature restaurants and establishments such as Corniche, Yurakuen and Bar 21, but few people know that they also offer Chinese Lauriat set menus for guests who want to savour authentic Chinese cuisine. While the hotel does not have a stand-alone Chinese restaurant just yet, they can easily set up an elegant Chinese lauriat for your family or guests upon request at Corniche, the hotel’s all-day dining cafe.

We got together for a sumptuous Saturday lunch at Diamond Hotel a few weeks ago featuring Diamond Hotel’s Chinese Lauriat set. This is the first time for me to try this setup at Corniche myself, but since the hotel also caters to many guests who are looking for Chinese fine dining cuisine, they decided to offer these special set courses which are available from P6,000 to P12,600 per table of up to 8 persons.

Chinese Executive Chef Yang Yong is in charge of the Chinese cuisine that the hotel offers on its banquet functions, as well as the Chinese section of the buffet at Corniche. For guests who want to avail of this special set, Chef Yang will personally prepare these courses for you. At least two days advance reservation is required though because he will have to separately source the special ingredients for the set.

For that afternoon, we sampled some of the dishes that are included in these Chinese lauriat sets. The menu is also customizable if there are specific dishes that are requested. We started with the appetizing Suckling Pig with Jelly Fish, Fish Skin, and Barbecue Combination.

The highlight of this plate is definitely the suckling pig with its very crispy skin dipped in the sweet hoisin sauce. I also like eating jelly fish so this is a very tasty and delightful starter.

Next was the Braised Chicken Stock Soup with Abalone Shell, Crab Meat and Scallops. The flavorful broth is made even richer with the combination of seafood and abalone shells.

I love crabs so the Wok-Fried Crab with Beehoon, Mushrooms, and Dried Fish Powder is definitely a treat. I got a one of the crab claws for myself and really enjoyed its tender crab meat. The beehoon is really filling so this is a fantastic main course.

No lauriat is complete without the Steamed Live Garoupa in Supreme Soya Sauce, a classic Chinese dish that is always offered in fine dining restaurants. The light soya sauce is just perfect for this type of fresh seafood.

I have heard of drunken prawns but have never seen it prepared on the spot. Diamond Hotel takes it one notch higher as they offer their Drunken Prawns with Chinese Herbs.

The chef will prepare this tableside as he douses the prawns with wine and lights it up for a flaming display. He then cooks the prawns on the spot until their color changes from black to orange.

I’m sure kids will love watching this culinary display so this set is also great for families, especially this holiday season. The prawns are then mixed into a steaming bowl with Chinese herbs to complete the dish.

Another Chinese favorite is the Peking Duck which can be served up to three ways. Authentic Peking Duck is difficult to find in the city but you can order it here at Diamond Hotel. Place a slice or two into the pancake wrapper and combine it with vegetables plus hoisin sauce for that delicious combination.

The remaining Peking duck will then be served as Fried Duck for the second way. These come with crispier skins and meat. You can also have it served a third way in the form of a rich Duck Soup that is also good to the last drop.

Rice is usually served at the end of a Chinese lauriat so the Fried Rice with Assorted Meat Whipped in Lotus Leaf is a good option. This sticky fried rice is a good way to cap off your main courses.

But don’t forget about the desserts. The Chinese Dimsum Platter comes with several pieces of Monggo Buchi and mini Egg Tarts.

For a cooler dessert, go for the Avocado Mousse Ice Cream which has mango ice cream topped with a delicious and unique avocado mousse.

It was so nice to see Tita Animo, the lovely mother of Dude For Food, once again that afternoon. Christmas is a time for families and friends to reunite so Diamond Hotel offers the perfect venue for these special occasions.

As part of the annual tradition of giving back to the community, the hotel has chosen Kanlungan ni Maria to be its official charity beneficiary during its Tree Lighting Ceremony held last November 6, 2018. Kanlungan ni Maria is a non-stock, non-profit organization with a mission to provide adequate and sufficient home care, basic and medical needs for the abandoned, sick, and homeless elderly. 

The hotel invites guests to help spread the holiday cheer by donating P300 to the charity and in return the guests will be entitled to hang one Christmas ornament with their name on the tag at the Charity Tree at the lobby. So come visit Diamond Hotel this Christmas season and enjoy their delightful dining offers with the family.

Diamond Hotel Philippines

Roxas Boulavard cor Dr. J. Quintos Street, Manila

528-3000

www.diamondhotel.com

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www.facebook.com/diamondhotelphilippines