Treasure Jar

Grab another chance to savor the dishes of the famed Lolo Dad’s restaurant as chef-owner Ariel Manuel dons his culinary garb once again for a cooking demo on June 21, Saturday, 9am-1pm at the Maya Kitchen.

Chef Ariel plays on the theme ‘Simplicity of Flavors’ as he prepares:

• Salmon Sardine with Fresh Garlic Croutons
• Romaine Caesar Salad
• White Onion Soup
• Shellfish Open Lasagne
• Mediterranean Duck Rice, Mixed Fresh Fruits with Vanilla Ice Cream, Rock Salt and Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Don’t be taken in by the seemingly simple dishes. The Caesar Salad, for one, comes with a dressing that is cooked and keeps for a week! The onion soup comes with a gruyere topping and for a real knock out flavor, Chef Ariel recommends French Muscovy duck breasts.

Chef Ariel to this day cannot explain how he ended up becoming one of the country’s renowned chefs. He took up architecture in college but spent all his professional life in the kitchens of international hotel chains Mandarin Oriental Manila, Shangri-la Hotel Makati, Westin Philippine Plaza and Heritage Hotel.

His very own Lolo Dad’s Cafe was a culinary landmark earning accolades from diners and critics. It was one of the very few that offered patrons a chef’s table that gave a close up look on how Chef Ariel painstakingly created his masterpieces. When Lolo Dad’s bowed out of the dining scene recently, some were apprehensive that Chef Ariel was hanging up his apron for good. On the contrary, he has other culinary marvels up his sleeve that will soon regal all of us. We just have to wait and see.

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Visit The Maya Kitchen Culinary Center every Tuesday to Saturday at 8F Liberty Building, 835 A. Arnaiz Avenue (Pasay Road), Makati City or call 8921185 / 892-5011 local 108.

DreamWorks Animation is building the world’s first Dreamplay “Edutainment” Center, City of Dreams Manila.

Featuring DreamWorks Animation’s most beloved characters from its movies, DreamPlay blends Entertainment and Learning with interactive experiences.

Launched last May 22, 2014, Casino resort developer Melco Crown (Philippines) Resorts Corporation (Melco Crown Philippines) is a company listed on the Philippines Stock Exchange (“PSE”) with trading symbol “MCP” and a subsidiary of Melco Crown Entertainment Limited (“Melco Crown Entertainment”) (SEHK: 6883) (NASDAQ: MPEL), a developer, owner and operator of casino gaming and entertainment resort facilities in Asia, today announced a collaboration with global branded entertainment company DreamWorks Animation (NASDAQ: DWA) to develop the world’s first DreamWorks-inspired “Edutainment” center at City of Dreams Manila.

Celebrating the announcement of City of Dreams Manila’s introduction of DreamWorks Animations and the DreamPlay edutainment center to its planned thrilling entertainment and leisure destination resort at Entertainment City, Manila.
DreamWorks characters join Mr. Jorge Sarmiento, President of PAGCOR, with Mr. Clarence Chung, Chairman and President of Melco Crown Philippines; Mr. James Clark, Head of Retail Development and Entertainment for Asia Pacific of DreamWorks Animation; along with SM Group partners.

In collaboration with DreamWorks Animation, Melco Crown Entertainment introduces the education-based, interactive entertainment concept, “DreamPlay by DreamWorks”, which will be the first of its kind in the world when it opens later this year, at City of Dreams Manila, a leisure, gaming and entertainment destination resort currently under development at Entertainment City, Manila, Philippines.

Chairman and President of Melco Crown Philippines Mr. Clarence Chung is joined by Mr. James Clark, Head of Retail Development and Entertainment for Asia Pacific of DreamWorks Animation, in “magically” turning the page of an “enchanted” story book to officially launch the logo as part of the DreamPlay edutainment center at City of Dreams Manila announcement.

Inspired by the mantra of learning through play, “DreamPlay by DreamWorks” is a revolutionary approach to family entertainment.

What to expect:

• Each experience is designed exclusively for City of Dreams Manila by the artistic and creative forces of DreamWorks Animation and iP2 Entertainment to combine the best elements of the DreamWorks library with the hands-on activities of an education inspired play-center to create a truly one-of-a-kind family adventure.
• “DreamPlay” represents an exciting blend of integrated live and digital play spaces, featuring DreamWorks’ popular characters and creative storytelling combined with innovative educational play, appealing to children and adults alike.
• Guests will immerse themselves in the world of DreamWorks Animation, interacting directly with their favorite characters through revolutionary experiences.
• Interactive environments, featuring the very latest digital technologies, will enable kids to engage in a wide range of thrilling activities, interacting with beloved characters from DreamWorks Animation’s world-famous franchises including Kung Fu Panda, Shrek, Madagascar and How to Train Your Dragon.

DreamWorks Animation’s beloved characters Po from Kung Fu Panda; Shrek; and Alex the Lion from Madagascar, join executives Mr. Clarence Chung Chairman and President of Melco Crown Philippines and Mr. James Clark, Head of Retail Development and Entertainment for Asia Pacific of DreamWorks Animation, at the official announcement of the DreamPlay edutainment center at City of Dreams Manila.

“Melco Crown Philippines is delighted to be introducing DreamWorks to the Philippines as we continue our strategy of delivering innovative leisure and entertainment offerings that enhance the leisure destination appeal of Manila,” explained Clarence Chung, Chairman and President, Melco Crown (Philippines) Resorts Corporation.

“Our collaboration with DreamWorks is a further illustration of our expertise in developing world-class, innovative and ground-breaking entertainment for leisure seekers both in the Philippines and internationally. The ‘DreamPlay’ concept delivers an education experience through spontaneous and sensory play that represents an industry first.”

Paul Kurzawa, Head of Retail Development & Entertainment, DreamWorks Animation said: “We are very excited to work with Mr. Lawrence Ho and Melco Crown Entertainment to build something that we believe is a truly unique way for children to experience, learn and interact with the characters and worlds of DreamWorks Animation.

“As a global entertainment brand, we continue to expand our footprint with immersive, year-round fan experiences and ‘DreamPlay’ provides a distinctive opportunity for visitors in a fun and educational setting.

“Harnessing leading digital technologies, this attraction is going to be unlike anything that currently exists and will undoubtedly become a new type of destination for families, both in the Philippines and across the rapidly growing leisure-destination markets of Asia.”

In January 2014, City of Dreams Manila introduced Hollywood-celebrity trendsetting Nobu brand, marking the first Nobu Hotel in Asia. With the addition of the world’s first “DreamPlay by DreamWorks” edutainment center, City of Dreams Manila is a further step in realizing its overall vision to deliver world-class and diverse innovative lifestyle and entertainment offerings, and to support the Philippine government’s strategy to broaden the appeal of the Philippines as a leading leisure destination in Asia.

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About City of Dreams Manila

City of Dreams Manila, when it opens in 2014, will mark the formal entry of Melco Crown Entertainment into the fast-growing and dynamic tourism industry in the Philippines. The new integrated casino resort at Entertainment City, Manila Bay, Manila, is being developed and will be operated by Melco Crown Philippines in alliance with SM Group’s Belle Corporation.

The dynamic and innovative resort complex, located on an approximately 6.2-hectare site at the gateway to Entertainment City, will include the ultimate in entertainment, hotel, retail and dining and lifestyle experiences with aggregated gaming space, including VIP and mass-market gaming facilities with up to approximately 365 gaming tables, 1,680 slot machines and 1,680 electronic table games upon opening.

The integrated resort will feature three distinctive entertainment venues, including Manila’s first branded Family Entertainment Center, a live performance central lounge inside the casino and a night club situated at the Fortune Egg, an architecturally-unique dome-like structure, which will be accented with creative exterior lighting design. It is expected to become an iconic landmark of the Manila Bay area.

City of Dreams Manila is destined to deliver an unparalleled entertainment and hospitality experience to the Philippines and will ultimately play a key role in strengthening the depth and diversity of Manila’s leisure, business and tourism offering, enhancing its growing position as one of Asia’s premier leisure destinations. It is being developed to specifically meet the needs of the large, rapidly growing and increasingly diverse audience of leisure and entertainment seekers both in the Philippines and those visiting Manila from across the Asia region and around the world.

Tags: City of Dreams Manila, DreamPlay by DreamWorks, DreamPlay by DreamWorks City of Dreams, Melco Crown Entertainment

Press Release:

Chef-owner Patrice Freuslon of Society Lounge or S Lounge, brings his Asian inspired creations as he headlines a cooking demo on May 17, Saturday, 9am-1pm at The Maya Kitchen.

Chef Patrice describes his cuisine as a ‘passion, a modern labor of love’ as he skillfully combines the flavors of Asian ingredients with French technique.

For his demo, Chef Patrice will do

• Foie Gras Crème Brûlée, (duck liver, crème, eggs, spice),
• Shitake Mushroom Risotto with Coriander Pesto (Arborio rice, chicken stock, fresh mushroom, dry shitake, fresh cream, parmesan, fresh coriander, nuts, olive oil, parmesan)
• Seared Scallop with Apple Cider (scallop, fresh apple, apple cider, butter),
• Roasted Duck with Mango and Black Pepper Sauce (filet of duck, fresh mango, black pepper, demi glace)
• Chocolate Chips Chouquettes (pate a choux and chocolate chips).

Chef Patrice was born in France. He studied Culinary Pastry in The Gaston Lenotre School, Taillevant, Fauchon, Ritz.  He was given a Rated A, the highest rate for a chef, by the Gault et Miliau, the best food guide magazine in France.

He has served as Executive Chef in Le Berlioz in Grenoble, France as well as on board the renowned cruise ship Maxim’s de Mers. There was also a stint as Executive Pastry Chef in Hotel Hyatt Regency in Houston, Texas as well as successful collaborations in Lebanon and the Middle East.

Chef Patrice has another resounding success in his hands with Society Lounge located on the Ground Floor, Atrium Building, Makati Avenue corner Paseo de Roxas, Makati City.

The elegant restaurant transforms into a trendy bar lounge at 11pm with great music and, of course, the impeccable creations of Chef Patrice.

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For more information on other courses offerings, log on to www.themayakitchen.com  or e-mailcontactus@themayakitchen.com  or visit The Maya Kitchen Culinary Center every Tuesday to Saturday at 8F  Liberty Building, 835 A. Arnaiz Avenue (Pasay Road), Makati City or call 8921185 / 892-5011 local 108 / Mobile No. +63947 835 2290.

Tags: Patrice Freuslon of Society Lounge or S Lounge, Patrice Freuslon of Society Lounge or S Lounge and The Maya Kitchen, The Maya Kitchen Cooking classed, The Maya Kitchen cooking demo

OWL, Singapore’s leading coffee and tea brand is now available in the Philippines.

During OWL’s media launch, Mr Robert Francisco, a renowned Coffeeology Expert and Coffee Connoisseur talked about interesting trivia about coffee. He showed how elaborate it is to process instant coffee starting from the picking of the ripe cherries till the finished product. He discussed the different varieties of coffee like Robusta, Arabica, Excelsa and Liberica all of which have their own unique aroma and flavor.

“Owl has been brewing fine coffee since 1956. Its longevity and market success is a testament to its vast expertise and attention to detail in making the perfect coffee brew. Owing to its unique location along the straits of Malacca between Java and Penang, Owl is in the heart of one of the best coffee growing regions in the world. With Owl, you’re going to enjoy a great cup of coffee each and every time.” revealed Kerwin Wong, CEO of Transaxion Unlimited, the exclusive importer and distributor of Owl in the Philippines.

Owl Coffee comes in several variants: such as

Everyday Favorites

• 3-in-1 Strong
• 3-in-1 Regular Low Fat for diet conscious individuals.

Kopitiam Roast selection:

• Kopi Siew Dai with Less Sugar
• Kopi-C which features evaporated milk as its creamer giving a creamy smooth taste.

There is also Nanyang White Coffee line,  sweetened with coconut sugar for a unique aromatic blend.

Non-coffee:

• Owl Teh Tarik (Milk Tea)
• Ginger Tea with Honey great for a soothing morning and afternoon beverage.

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Owl on the Road
Last February 28, employees of the US Embassy along Roxas Boulevard were treated to a day with Owl Coffee and Tea. This was to be the start of the Owl roadshow. As people who were at LKG Tower last March 14 would know, this would be a great way to sample some of the flavors and to bring home a limited edition Owl Tumbler with a minimum purchase.

The “Owl Made Me Do It” caravan will be going around Quezon, Makati, and Pasig City business districts up until May 2014 bringing people together for their common love of coffee. The campaign aims to show that with renewed energy and vitality through drinking Owl, people can achieve more success in the workplace. Catch the Owl nearest you!

Owl is available in the Philippines at your leading groceries, supermarkets, convenience stores, and hypermarkets nationwide.

Tags: OWL coffee, OWL coffee and tea, OWL coffee from Singapore, OWL coffee Philippines

Bizu Patisserie will once again take you on a journey to Tchaikovsky’s Land of the Sweets with its Christmas 2013 Collection overflowing with favorites and unique offerings sure to make everyone’s holidays truly enchanting.

The season’s masterpiece is Bizu’s Grand Carousel. Reminiscent of Caroussel de la Tour Eiffel in Paris, it is filled with classic butter cookies, crisp tuile, luscious chocolate-covered pretzels and crunchy caramel popcorn. Wind it up and hear a captivating tune.

Taking the spotlight is Bizu’s Chestnut Cake, a combination of chestnut cremeaux, moist speculoos cake and caramel glaze topped with chestnut cream.

• Rudolph, a Christmas chocolate ornament ball with crème caramel filling and a moist chocolate brownie base. Set the Christmas table with Noël Fruit Cake made of Valrhona chocolate, pecans and dark cherries. Try the Christmas Carrot and Walnut Cake topped with rich brown butter cream cheese.

• Melchor Croquembouche makes for a grand holiday table centerpiece. A lovely tower of profiteroles filled with pastry cream dipped in white and dark chocolate. Choose between an 18-inch tall croquembouche with 130 cream puffs or a 12- inch tall croquembouche with 60 cream puffs.
• Macaron de Paris. These masterpieces are almond meringue shells filled with a luscious combination of buttercream. Just for the holidays, Bizu offers Speculoos, a lightly spiced ginger and cinnamon-flavored macaron.
• Bizu’s Chocolate Nut Butter Spreads, creamy and smooth combinations of chocolate and nut flavors with a hint of sweetness and a touch of saltiness. The flavors are Hazelnut Milk Chocolate Butter, Macadamia and White Chocolate Butter, Almond Roca Butter and Pistachio White Chocolate Butter.
• Pot de Crème is soft French crème comes in four flavors: Madagascar Vanilla, Dark Chocolate, Burnt Caramel and Sugar Free Gianduja Hazelnut.
• Gourmet Popcorn  in three flavors: Salted Caramel; Dark Chocolate, Almonds and Pretzel; and Pistachio, White Chocolate and Macaron

• Cheese Tarts is a perfect Christmas gift. This smooth and dense mascarpone cheesecake over flaky puff pastry is available per piece or in a lovely box of six.
• New Ensaymada flavors make a vow this season. The three new flavors of Queso de Bola and Chorizo, Italian Pistachio and White Chocolate and Cheese Roll join the traditional Dark Chocolate, Almond Praline and Classic Cheese.

Bizu is well known for its luxurious French Gâteau. Each one is a sight to behold and every bite is unforgettably delicious. Have a taste of Samba, Opera, Nirvana, Amour, Roca, sugarless and flourless Jolie, sugarless Naomi, Tiramisu, Strawberry Shortcake and Chiboust in Blueberry, Mango and Strawberry.
Make the holidays more memorable with Bizu’s Savoury Holiday Traditions. Yuletide Pork Crown Roast is a festive circlet of juicy chops with a hearty stuffing of apples, chestnuts and sausages. Bizu’s signature Ten-Hour Roast Beef Belly is so tender it melts in your mouth and comes with sidings of crunchy vegetables and creamy mushroom sauce.
Whole Turkey Roast is all plump, juicy and golden brown and comes with a signature stuffing of apples, chestnut and sausages with a duet of gravy and cranberry sauce. A perfect addition to any Christmas dinner and party is the Baked Salmon Rockefeller, baked Norwegian salmon layered with creamy spinach and topped with parmesan mornay sauce. Complete the celebration with Chicken Liver Paté and Smoked Salmon and Caviar for the appetizers.
This Christmas, celebrate the taste of joie de vivre only at Bizu.

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To order, email concierge@bizugroupe.com or call 845-0590 to 93.

Visit Bizu Patisserie branches near you. Greenbelt 2 (757-2498), One Rockwell Tower, (478-7755 or 779-5044), Greenhills Promenade (724-2498 or 726-2496), Alabang Town Center (809-2498, 772-1917, or 772-1918), St. Luke’s Global City (823-6621) and Le Petit Bizu Robinsons Magnolia (467-0670).
Drop by the Bizu Christmas Carriage at the North Court of Power Plant Mall and our Christmas stall at the Greenbelt 3 Park. Email conciergeteam@bizugroupe.com or check out www.bizuchristmas.com.

Like us on facebook.com/ilovebizu and follow us on twitter.com/bizuph.

Tags: Bizu Cheese Tarts, Bizu Chestnut Cake, Bizu Gourmet Popcorn, Bizu Grand Carousel, Bizu Macaron de Paris, Bizu New Ensaymada flavors, Bizu Patisserie, Bizu Patisserie Tchaikovsky’s Land of the Sweets, Bizu Pot de Crème, Bizu’s Chocolate Nut Butter Spreads, Melchor Croquembouche

Well known Chef Fernando “Fern” Aracama recalls fond memories of Christmas past in his cooking class at The Maya Kitchen on November 23, Saturday from 9am-1pm.

A very young boy walking home from midnight mass with his family is something Chef Fern remembers to this day. He took inspiration from the traditional Media Noche meal that awaited them but this time he shares recipes of dishes that are not the usual but delightful nonetheless.

To warm you up is Patatas Riojana, a very simple yet hearty and delicious potato and chorizo soup Chef Fern revisited on his recent trip to Spain.

To fill you up is Grilled Ensaimada Media Noche style. Hot and crusty butter grilled ensaimada stuffed with Chinese ham and queso de bola.

Insalata Uvato goes with the Grilled Ensaimada. This is his signature salad with honey balsamico vinaigrette, toasted pine nuts, green and red grapes and kesong puti.

Malunggay and Mozzarella dip is nutritious greens in a creamy, cheesy brûleé best served with crispy crostini. This is a signature appetizer in Aracama Filipino Cuisine, one of Chef Fern’s restaurants.

And because it is Christmas there has to be Bunuelos and Warm Chocolate Dip. These are the recipes of Chef Fern’s dear Abuelita of deep fried choux pastries served with a thick and smooth milk chocolate dip.

Chef Fern hails from Bacolod and is a graduate of the University of the Philippines with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Administration. He took further studies at The New England Culinary Institute in Montpelier, Vermont USA and was a 2003 Cochran Fellowship Program Awardee at the Hilton College, University Of Houston, Texas, USA.

Chef Fern has a long list of bars and restaurants to his name like Aracama Filipino Cuisine, Opus, Republiq & Café Republiq, MYTHAI Kitchen, Lucky Niku Café, The ChopHouse, The Tides Hotel Boracay as well as previous spots Restaurant UVA, Encore/Embassy & Member’s Only and CANTEEN simple+good food.

He is also active in World Association of Chef Societies (WACS), Les Toques Blances Philippines, Council of Chefs, United States of America’s Department of Agriculture and is a Chef Consultant with Philippine Airlines.

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For more information on other course offerings, log on to www.themayakitchen.com or e-mail contactus@themayakitchen.com or visit The Maya Kitchen Culinary Center every Tuesday to Saturday at 8F Liberty Building, 835 A. Arnaiz Avenue (Pasay Road), Makati City or call 8921185 / 892-5011 local 108 / Mobile No. +63947 835 2290.

Tags: Bunuelos and Warm Chocolate Dip, Chef Fern Aracama at The Maya Kitchen, Chef Fern Aracama Recreates Childhood Media Noche at The Maya Kitchen, Grilled Ensaimada Media Noche style, Insalata Uvato, Malunggay and Mozzarella dip, Patatas Riojana