by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 3, 2023 | Food & Beverage
Fashion designer Happy Andrada-Gras and former Sofitel and MGallery F&B executive Tanguy Gras have unveiled their latest creation in style. But unlike most of Happy’s couture work, this one is rather epicurean than vogue.
Their marriage has conceived the fulfillment of a long-time dream: H&T Wine Gallery, a gourmet deli and wine bar in Kamuning, Quezon City. Located on the first level below Happy’s atelier, H&T Wine Gallery is not your typical bar and retail store. With only a seating capacity of 18, this hole-in-the-wall is a dream world for Happy and Tanguy, transporting guests from barong to baguette within the confines of their quirky imaginations.
A bar with personality
Tanguy Gras and Happy Andrada-Gras
At the launch of H&T Wine Gallery, Happy brought in 15 new designs that showcase Filipino and French styles, paying homage to the couple’s heritage and how everything all began.
“We began H&T as an online shop at the start of the pandemic and with great success. This has become a personal project for both of us, and we were very happy with how the business was received. Now, Happy and I are delighted to launch a brick-and-mortar space for everyone to enjoy our selections in-house,” says Tanguy Gras, Co-Founder & General Manager, whom you will see clad in a long waiter’s vest and a funky mustache-shaped bowtie.
“We designed H&T as a gallery where each part of the space is unique. As a whole, H&T Wine Gallery gives you a tight and at-home feeling. This is a place where friends and family can enjoy their favorite wine and deli items after meals in a neighborhood that is not so busy. You can also reserve the space for private events,” says Happy Andrada-Gras, Co-Founder & President.
Each part of the H&T space projects its own distinct personality. The counter sports a retro vibe complete with framed scenes of Manila and Nice (from where Tanguy hailed), neon light signages, and Funko Pops, while the parallel area is a vibrant splash of hot pink, from the wall and decors down to the couches. This goes in chromatic contrast against a section whose furniture is dipped in yellow, an illusion of a 2D spotlight on a wall casting its light from above. It can look like a cacophony of ideas. Even the restroom has disco lights.
At H&T Wine Gallery, art and hospitality co-exist. Particularly, H&T Wine Gallery reflects Tanguy’s vision of hospitality. A French hotelier who bartended in London and waited tables in Monaco, Tanguy is bringing all his 15 years of professional hospitality and natural sommelier experience to this unpretentious bar in Quezon City.
Wines Selection
Quality wines from all over the world
Inside H&T, Tanguy likes to take guests on a tour of vineyards around the world.
The Old-World wine selections begin at Tanguy’s homeland. In the red wine section, Bordeaux and Burgundy wines banner the top shelf among other French wines and Rhone Valley labels, followed by Italian selections, including Chianti; an extensive lineup of Tempranillo and other Spanish wines; and a special area for Malbec made in the Old World. The white wine shelf is equally impressive, with the best selection from Bordeaux and Burgundy, Portuguese, and Spanish.
The New World red and white wine selections include many representative varieties from key countries of origin, including Carmenere from Chile, Riesling from Columbia Valley (U.S.), Shiraz and Chenin Blanc from South Africa, and Cabernet Sauvignon from California and Australia, among others.
Among the sparkling wine selections is Champagne Pol Roger, a personal favorite of Second World War hero Winston Churchill, and Cava from Spain. A fine list of rosés from Provence, Bordeaux, and Southwestern France is available, too.
Deli & Dine
All these bottles sit on shelves personally designed by Tanguy and Happy, displaying not just wines but also ciders, sangria, escargot, pate, olive oil, sardines, and other food items. In the chillers are assortments of jamon from Spain (from Jamon Serrano Bodega to the finest Jamon Iberico de Cebo Campo), preserved truffles, and cheese from Europe.
Guests can buy the items off the shelf or have them prepared. The menu includes a selection of charcuterie, sandwiches, cheese, hot tapas, and sweets, and guests wanting a taste of the best deli items can order any of the samplers available.
Cheese Trio to enjoy with our wine
Every bottle and food item has been personally selected by Tanguy and Happy to be part of H&T Wine Gallery, and true to H&T Wine Gallery’s promise of personal service – chances are high you would be welcomed by Tanguy or Happy themselves.
H&T Wine Gallery is open from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm on Mondays to Thursdays and until 9:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays (Closed on Sundays). Address: 24 K-D corner K-1st Kamuning, Quezon City.
Book a table or private events through 09171752779 or co*****@***********ry.com. Deliveries are available in Metro Manila. Follow them on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ht_winegallery.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 23, 2023 | Food & Beverage
Many years ago my daughter used to drag me to this amazing new unlimited Korean Grill for samgypsal. I remember asking her, “What in the world is samgyupsal?” and my daughter patiently explained to me that it is a Korean barbeque place. Since I’ve never been a fan of K-drama I was clueless and this all went over my head but “food is food” so I went along. And that was the start of our fascination with Korean Unlimited Grill. Watch out, waistline!
Samgyupsalamat opened its doors to hungry patrons in 2012.
Rebranding
Since its inception in 2012, this popular restaurant has sprouted several branches and rebranded multiple times. From the initial “Samgyupsalamat” it became “Unlicity Samgyup!” to its newest name “Unlicity Samgyup Salahat”. At present, only the Subic branch already has the signage for Unlicity Samgyup Salahat. This new name will soon be implemented in all existing (and upcoming) branches, whether they are currently called Samgyupsalamat or Unlicity Samgyup!
Come visit Unlicity Samgyup Salahat at Trinoma
Unlicity Samgyup! at Trinoma
Soon to be called Unlicity Samgyup Salahat, Unlicity Samgyup! at Trinoma is ready to provide us with delicious meats and side dishes from 11 am to 2 am daily with happy hour from 11 am to 3 pm.
Ample space and seating
ample walking space and seating at the Unlicity Samgyup Salahat Trinoma branch
I’ve always hated when people stand or sit too close to me so I’m one of those people that LOVES the fact that the pandemic forced people to recognize the importance of social distancing. The tables are spaced far enough to make the wariest guest comfortable while at the same time providing ample seating for several groups who would wish to dine in.
What’s on the menu?
Unli pork, beef, chicken, and side dishes for groups of 2 or more are priced at a mere P549 … no leftovers (otherwise you will be charged), and all guests are allowed to dine for a maximum of 3 hours. Eating solo? No problem! Just be prepared to spend P699, instead.
If you want to get more “bang for your buck”, come and dine during the “happy hour” which is actually more than an hour as it runs from 11 am to 3 pm for only P499. You get the same flavorful quality meats and side dishes for less!
I tend to like my meat very flavorful and/or spicy so my go-to orders are P2 (Buljib), P4 (Gochujang Pork), B3 (Beef Boolgogi), B4 (Gochujang Beef). Buljib is pork belly seasoned with salt, cracked pepper, and ground parsley. Gochujang is a red chili paste that is savory, sweet, and spicy all at the same time. This makes it perfect for combining with grilled meat either as a marinade or as a dipping sauce. Bulgogi, on. the other hand is thinly sliced beef marinated in a dark, sweet sauce.
All 8 side dishes listed are served even before you reach the table, except for the steamed egg which has to be requested. Including the steamed egg my favorite side dishes are the chapchae (glass noodles sauteed with veggies, chicken, and a special sauce), spicy tofu soup, pickled radish, and rice.
Not to be forgotten is the melted cheese dip that is placed on the grill in a little holder to keep it piping hot as we enjoy our meal.
Sadly, one of my favorite side dishes, the fishcake strips, is no longer on the menu. 🙁 I think perhaps it is not as popular as the others or might be more expensive. Instead, it was replaced by the cucumber, which is sliced thinly, then marinated in gochujang. If I weren’t allergic to cucumber I would surely like it as I’m quite a fan of gochujang. 😀
To wash down all that yummy goodness iced tea and cold water are provided, as part of the package. If you have a hankering for a beverage other than those, they do have soda, beer, and Soju available for an additional charge.
Also not part of the package is the ramyun gyeran (ramen or noodle soup) and dessert (ube, leche flan, or a combination of both).
What’s new at Unlicity Samgyup Salahat?
As we swelter in the oppressive summer heat, Unlicity Samgyup Salahat has added something refreshing to the menu that got me excited. As someone who loves fruits and fruity drinks, this popular summer drink hit the spot.
Unlicity Samgyup Salahat’s Create Your Smoothie menu
Fruit smoothies are now available at a reasonable price of only P129. Whether you are a purist and go with a single fruit or want to mix it up with a 2 or 4 fruit combo, these smoothies will surely leave you feeling happy and refreshed.
So the next time you and your family and friends are looking for a congenial place to share a meal that is reasonably priced, make your way to Unlicity Samgyup Salahat! They also accept advance bookings, especially for large groups.
Cook the way you like it then dig in!
Unlicity Samgyup Salahat Trinoma branch is located on the 4th-floor garden view level.
Bloggers at work
I would like to thank my fellow bloggers Jamie, Aileen, Camilo, Dianne, Nestor, Trixie, and Vicky for sharing their event photos. Thank you, also, to Ms. Grace for inviting us and Ms. Sunrise for hosting us.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 22, 2023 | Food & Beverage
SamgYup! is a restaurant chain in and around Metro Manila that serves unlimited Korean BBQ. It’s been around some time with a lot of branches under the “Unlicity” brand and counting for more as there are under construction soon to open branches and under the management of Zoomanity Eatz.
Now open with a new brand from Samgyupsalamat to SamgYup! at Trinoma Mall on the 4th Floor, Garden Area, and with easier access at the Mindanao entrance, the popular and famous chain of restaurants is still serving all the mall goers.
Opened last October 2019 with a different brand with Zoomanity EatZ CEO, Robert Laurel Yupangco, YUP Gallery Board of Trustee Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas and Zoomanity Group COO May Gamir and Operation Site Manager Sunrise.
According to Robert Laurel Yupangco, Zoomanity EatZ CEO, “We are thankful for the patronage of our customers, we have now 5 branches under our management that includes branches in Century City Mall in Makati, Inside The Residence Inn in Tagaytay, at Alabang Town Center and Subic. Filipinos are into unlimited BBQ and affordable cost with good and quality food.”
SamgYup! menu combines flavored pork and beef (and exciting side dishes, too!). There are so many patrons right now because of the popularity and affordable prices.
For the new brand, it offers also Japanese dishes and Coffee since the company started Japanese restaurants before venturing into Korean. New brand, more offerings.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 23, 2023 | Food & Beverage
MANILA, Philippines. March 23, 2023. – Panda Express® is finally bringing its signature dish The Original Orange Chicken® outside Metro Manila. The world’s largest American Chinese dining concept has made its way to the Land of the Brave and is opening its first store in Tanza, Cavite on March 24 —marking its first location in South Luzon.
Panda Express invites all hungry Caviteños and Caviteñas to visit its maiden branch in the province located at SM City Tanza, which will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, to experience the mouth-watering bold flavors of its wok-cooked dishes with Chinese and Sichuan influences.
“We are thrilled to open our first restaurant in Cavite and in South Luzon as we continue to expand in the Philippines to make it more convenient for our guests to enjoy Panda Express’ world-famous American Chinese dishes,” said Doug Stalgren, Vice President of Panda Express International Business Development. “We can’t wait to welcome our fans on the opening day.”
From entrees to appetizers to sides, Panda Express offers a variety of scrumptious menu choices cooked with fresh, quality ingredients every day that leave its guests wanting more. Among them is Panda’s top seller, The Original Orange Chicken, which is prepared with crispy boneless chicken bites wok-tossed in its signature sweet and spicy Orange Sauce.
In time for Lent, the new branch also offers meat-free options for Christians and Catholics choosing to abstain from eating meat during this period. Some of their meatless options include:
- Honey Walnut Shrimp: One of its award-winning entrées, this dish is made with large tempura-battered shrimp wok-tossed in a honey sauce and topped with glazed walnuts.
- Savory Shrimp: Another beloved shrimp recipe, this dish is inspired by the flavors of Hunan cuisine. It features premium, juicy shrimp, stir-fried with onions, green beans, and bell peppers in a savory sauce that adds a beautiful burst of color, textures, and flavors.
- Kung Pao Fish: This Sichuan-inspired dish is a close cousin of another classic American Chinese staple, Kung Pao Chicken. It’s a divine combination of lightly breaded, crispy boneless fish, a variety of freshly-cut vegetables, and peanuts, all tossed in a savory sauce.
- Eggplant Tofu: A good source of protein, this entrée is made with lightly browned tofu, eggplant, and red bell peppers tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce.
Deals and treats await Panda Express guests with the first 30 customers in line during the opening day able to receive free Panda Bears. Exciting freebies also await those who will visit the Cavite branch via dine-in or take-out from March 24 to 26.
Panda Express SM City Tanza is also available for long-distance delivery via GrabFood, Foodpanda, and order.pandaexpress.com.ph.
Panda Express is also going full speed ahead with its expansion this year with a new drive-thru branch in the pipeline, which is expected to open in Pacita, San Pedro, Laguna next month. This will become the first Panda Express store to have a drive-thru lane in South Luzon.
For more information about Panda Express®, visit www.facebook.com/PandaExpressPH/ (Facebook) and @PandaExpressPH (Instagram).
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Feb 11, 2023 | Food & Beverage
Celebrate the journey of love this February with a romantic sojourn and an array of delectable dining selections at The Manila Hotel.
Valentine Room Escape
Bask in the spirit of love with our Valentine’s Day room offer at a special rate of P10,000 nett (inclusive of breakfast buffet for two, dinner buffet for two, and a deluxe room accommodation) where couples can indulge in a luxurious overnight stay in a Deluxe Room. Enjoy our signature breakfast buffet and take pleasure in our romantic dining experiences at Café Ilang-Ilang.
Exquisite culinary journeys at our famed Café Ilang-Ilang
Intricate yet sumptuous flavors of local and international cuisines shine throughout our famed Café Ilang-Ilang. With an extensive selection of buffet delights, satiate your tastebuds this Valentine’s Day.
To better accommodate our guests, the dinner buffet will have two seatings on February 14 and 15, with only 350 persons each time. The first seating will be from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM while the second seating will be from 8:30 PM to 11:00 PM. A designated waiting area will be provided for guests arriving early for the second seating. Senior citizens will be prioritized. Regular buffet rates apply.
Embrace romance and glamour at the Champagne Room
Food is a love language, and if it happens to be the one you speak, there’s no better place to indulge than in the most romantic room in Manila—The Champagne Room. The fine-dining restaurant welcomes guests to the sophisticated culinary landscape of delectable European fare.
Our exquisite Valentine’s degustation dinner menu is offered at P6,000 nett per person and will only be available from 13 to 15 February 2023.
Valentine Gift Selections
The Manila Hotel also presents its signature offerings as ideal gifts this Valentine’s season. Inspired by sweet moments and little acts of love, the hotel’s well-loved pralines and smashable chocolate heart (P1,480 nett) double as thoughtful presents to loved ones or as an indulgent date night dessert.
For reservations and inquiries, please call (632) 85270011 or (632) 530015500 or email re************@************el.com
For more information on the hotel’s offers and updates, please visit www.manila-hotel.com.ph or follow The Manila Hotel on Facebook and Instagram.
About The Manila Hotel
The Manila Hotel is situated in the heart of the City of Manila. Defined by its history, elegance, and world-class service, the Manila Hotel maintains to be the choice hotel of the most distinguished clientele. Over the years, The Manila Hotel continuously provides the best services and amenities for a truly memorable experience. It has more than 500 well-appointed rooms and 22 function rooms.
Apart from these, the hotel offers five-star relaxation and wellness experiences with the Manila Hotel Spa and Manila Hotel Health Club. It has 6 dining outlets, each offering a unique culinary adventure:
- Café Ilang-Ilang which is a favorite spot for its extensive selection of international buffet delights;
- The Champagne Room with its Old European style fine dining and also hailed as the most romantic room in Manila — features French cuisine in a posh, fine-dining setting;
- Tap Room, an Old English pub-inspired outlet where one can enjoy an evening of jazz music;
- Lobby Lounge which is ideal for casual dining, aperitif, post-dinner nightcaps, or leisure meetings;
- Red Jade is a fine-dining restaurant that serves authentic Chinese cuisine; and
- The Deli offers the hotel’s signature pastries, breads, chocolates, and pralines.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Feb 2, 2023 | Food & Beverage
I’ve been told by my family that I am pretty adventurous as a home cook – I like trying new things and I like challenging myself with complicated dishes. But sometimes I am just too tired and all I want to do is serve my family something quick and easy so that I am not too tired to enjoy dinner with my family. This is why I am thankful that Purefoods came up with the Ready-to-Eat line that guarantees quality time made easy with my family and guarantees that the dishes are delicious and the chef (me!) gets compliments on how yummy the dishes are. 😀
Purefoods Ready-to-Eat Bistek Tagalog
A dish that is a staple in many Filipino households is the Bistek Tagalog. Slow-cooked to perfection it only takes around 10 minutes to cook. Just add onions (if feeling yamanin) to get that authentic Bistek Tagalog you are looking for.
Correct me if I am wrong but, Bistek just isn’t the same without onions, am I right?
To my non-Filipino friends, you guessed it! Bistek is the Filipino way of saying beef steak but, as with most dishes that are “Filipinized” it tastes nothing like the beef steak you probably grew up with.
Purefoods Ready-to-Eat Bicol Express
Bicol Express is probably one of my favorite Filipino dishes because it is spicy. The main ingredients of which are meat, peppers, coconut milk (gata), and seasonings. As an extender, you could add vegetables like sigadilyas (also known as winged beans), for example. I’ve seen some versions with carrots and bell peppers but I think they are more for color contrast.
When I had the opportunity to try this I was pleasantly surprised at how flavorful it was. With instant dishes like these, I tend to assume that I would still have to fix them to make them edible. Thankfully, that isn’t the case.
Leveling up your dishes
But just because these Purefoods Ready-to-Eat meals are instant meals doesn’t mean you cannot level up your dishes anymore. Check out the links to the recipes below:
With these Ready-to-Eat dishes by Purefoods, I don’t need to spend a very long time in the kitchen. Quality time with my family is made easy with Purefoods Ready-to-Eat
Unli pork, beef, chicken, and side dishes for groups of 2 or more are priced at a mere P549 … no leftovers (otherwise you will be charged), and all guests are allowed to dine for a maximum of 3 hours. Eating solo? No problem! Just be prepared to spend P699, instead.
I would like to thank my fellow bloggers Jamie, Aileen, Camilo, Dianne, Nestor, Trixie, and Vicky for sharing their event photos. Thank you, also, to Ms. Grace for inviting us and Ms. Sunrise for hosting us.
In time for Lent, the new branch also offers meat-free options for Christians and Catholics choosing to abstain from eating meat during this period. Some of their meatless options include:
Bask in the spirit of love with our Valentine’s Day room offer at a special rate of P10,000 nett (inclusive of breakfast buffet for two, dinner buffet for two, and a deluxe room accommodation) where couples can indulge in a luxurious overnight stay in a Deluxe Room. Enjoy our signature breakfast buffet and take pleasure in our romantic dining experiences at Café Ilang-Ilang.
Intricate yet sumptuous flavors of local and international cuisines shine throughout our famed Café Ilang-Ilang. With an extensive selection of buffet delights, satiate your tastebuds this Valentine’s Day.
Food is a love language, and if it happens to be the one you speak, there’s no better place to indulge than in the most romantic room in Manila—The Champagne Room. The fine-dining restaurant welcomes guests to the sophisticated culinary landscape of delectable European fare.
The Manila Hotel also presents its signature offerings as ideal gifts this Valentine’s season. Inspired by sweet moments and little acts of love, the hotel’s well-loved pralines and smashable chocolate heart (P1,480 nett) double as thoughtful presents to loved ones or as an indulgent date night dessert.
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