With November upon us, the excitement of the upcoming party season is just around the corner. Here are three of my recent discoveries for dining destinations that offer something for everyone—whether you’re in the mood for gourmet coffee and pastries, Latin American-inspired dishes, or fresh seafood specialties.
Taste the tradition
In celebration of their 8th anniversary, Tittos Latin BBQ and Brew introduces a selection of flavorful dishes for the holiday season. Renowned for its Latin American-inspired cuisine, Executive Chef Jerwyn Rabo showcased his latest creations at a press preview luncheon.
We got to try Peruvian Stuffed Chicken Wings (barbecue-roasted and glazed with soy-lime chicken wings that are stuffed with meat and vegetables), Colombian Roasted Pork Belly (oven-roasted pork belly with crispy skin, served with a side of mixed greens, grilled corn, and three sauces of sweet chili garlic bits, cilantro chimichurri sauce, and salsa verde), Street Taco Sampler (eight mini tacos of beef barbecue, beef birria, lengua, sisig, pork carnitas, pesto chicken, salted egg shrimp, and baja fish taco, with spicy salsa for that extra kick), and Bibingka Cheesecake (cheesecake with salted egg wrapped in traditional banana leaf).
For those planning festive gatherings, Tittos’ Cochinillo (roasted honey-glaze suckling pig with liver sarsa and pork jus gravy) is a must-try. Be sure to pre-order at least 36 hours in advance for pick-up or dining in.
Savor the season
The “ber” months bring in the cool weather, making it the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors. One great destination is Café 10/23 in Imus, Cavite, where you can savor premium coffee drinks while indulging in delectable pastries amid nature.
Founder Laurice Annelle “LA” Gonzaga Cantimbuhan reminisces about their journey, starting just a year ago with the capacity to accommodate 120 guests to 300 at a time. Now, they are expanding to host more guests in the place her family calls home.
For first timers, be sure to try their Ube Leche Flan Danish, Butter Croissant, and their signature Chocolate Cake. Their drinks list include White Chocolate Mocha Latte, Tiramisu Latte, Sea Salt Spanish Latte, and Matcha Latte. There are also non-caffeinated bestsellers such as Iced Tea, Strawberry Lemon Soda, Butterfly Pea Lemonade, and Yuzu Soda. Truffle Cream Pasta, Family Recipe Beef Tapa, Creamy Bistek Tagalog, Pork Belly Bowl, and Classic Fried Chicken are also available for those who want to spend breakfast, lunch, or dinner there. Watch out for their gelato that is set to launch before the year ends.
Gather and savor
Singapore's award-winning Tung Lok Seafood restaurant opens its third branch at Greenhills Mall. The name “Tung Lok,” meaning “happy together” in Cantonese, reflects on the restaurant’s focus on creating memorable dining experiences.
With semi-private rooms and private rooms available, it’s an ideal choice for gatherings this holiday season. Must-try dishes include Crispy Fish Skin with Salted Egg, Refreshing Cherry Tomatoes, Pork Bakkwa with Salad, Wasabi Mayo and Prawns, Collage Fish Soup, Salted Egg Crab, Three-cup Chicken, and Sauteed Chinese Spinach with Three Kinds of Eggs, to name a few.
Their dimsum such as Pork Siu Mai, Steamed Shrimp Dumplings, Steamed Chicken Feet, and Steamed Spareribs will definitely make an impression. Don’t forget to try their Honeycomb Cake that’s made with molasses as the key ingredient—a healthier way to end a hearty meal.
Make a delightful impression
When people ask me what to bring to potlucks or even as gifts, one of my recommendations are the cheesecakes by Chef Chele Gonzalez. My guests couldn’t stop raving about the Manchego and Figs Burnt Basque Cheesecake I served last year. This last quarter of the year, Cheesecake by Chef Chele proudly introduces a new flavor he’s been perfecting for months—the Spanish cheesecake Tarta de Queso. This delectable creation blends four types of cheese, making its rich and creamy texture fitting for this festive season. Trust me, your guests will be talking about this for weeks—even all year round.