Philip Cu Unjieng
Thriller territory: Reviews of 'Drop' and 'The Amateur'
April 15, 2025 5:57 am
Two thrillers are vying for our attention at cinemas this week. Drop is a small-budget suspense thriller that works most of the way, especially if you have minimal expectations. While The Amateur can boast a big budget and global locations, it falls short of even minimal expectations.
The very human Automat
April 14, 2025 3:43 pm
When Stephan Duhesme of Metiz fame opened the Automat directly above his Metiz at Karrivin Studios, the professed vision was to find a happy medium between fine dining and a casual eatery. It would still highlight his French twists on Filipino cuisine, but the Automat would be happy to broaden the influences and not be prissy purists when putting together the menu items. Plus, the idea was to constantly evolve the à la carte menu.
From the desert to dessert
April 14, 2025 3:32 pm
To hear Amado Fores tell the story, he first noticed how Dubai Chocolate was a viral rage on social media among foodies—the new “It” dessert of the season. He was then amazed to find out that the original creator of the luxury chocolate bar with pistachio and knafeh strands was a Filipino pastry consultant based in Dubai, Chef Nouel Catis. For Amado and his AF Hospitality—the corporate entity behind Steak & Frice, Ramen Ron, and A Mano—it was a no-brainer. They had to be the first-ever collaborator with Nouel here in the Philippines, leading to a golden opportunity to welcome him back home.
If food be the language of love
April 12, 2025 4:03 pm
Two food-related events I attended last week could very well stand as testimonials to the saying that food is the language of love – given the enthusiasm, the audible sighs of satisfaction, and the break-out of smiling faces that the events elicited. One was the Venchi X M Dining tasting menu collaboration, while the second was the formal opening of Streetscape at Shangri-La Plaza Mall, a dedicated row of curated dining options found at the mall’s ground floor.
The art of words and pictures
April 11, 2025 10:16 am
In "Universality," language is weaponized, while "A Trial in Three Acts" brings legal proceedings and a theater play together. "The Violet Hour" takes on the contemporary art scene.