Adventures of a Diva Princess: Food Porn

lslas Pinas, an indoor ”Filipino Food & Heritage Village” and a new, distinct destination for both locai and international guests, is now open at the DoubleDragon Plaza, DD Meridian Park, Macapagal Avenue corner EDSA Extension, Bay Area, Pasay City, Metro Manila.

Designed to showcase the abundance and vibrancy of the Filipino culture, this new establishment lets guests discover, explore and experience the Philippines’s heritage sites, natural resources, hospitality and most importantly, its cuisine.

The result of collaboration between DoubleDragon Group and Chef Margarita Forés, lslas Pinas is a project that aims to inspire love for the Philippines and to cultivate patriotism by showcasing the country’s beautiful sites and diverse regional cuisines. With a seating capacity of over 700 seats in an expansive 2,500 square meter space, lslas Pinas is the perfect place to give visitors a taste of the best that the Philippines has to offer.

ISLAS PlNAS also hosts an authentic Sarao Jeepney, which for many generations became the king of the Philippine streets especially in the countryside.

"DoubleDragon has always believed in embarking on projects with relevance. We believe lslas Pinas will be a landmark in the country, and will showcase the diversity not only of our cuisine and handicrafts but also our landscape and architecture brought about by the rich heritage and culture of the country,” says DoubleDragon’s Chief Investment Officer Hannah Yulo.

At the helm of this project is none other than Asia’s Best Female Chef of 2016, Margarita A. Forés whose mission is to bring Filipino cuisine to global prominence. Thus, lslas Pinas is a vision coming to life for her, where Filipino food is notjust on the sidelines but at the centerstage.

”This is an absolute dream project for me that has come at such a perfect time," said Forés. ”l give my thanks to then Undersecretary of Agriculture, now Secretary of Tourism Berna R. Puyat, for putting me together with the DoubleDragon group, who was looking for someone to operate this amazing lslas Pinas project about half a year ago. This fast-tracked such a blessed opportunity to continue pushing my biggest advocacy that of helping to promote the best our country our cuisine, ingredients, farers, artisan producers and home cooks from Batanes to Jolo in the best way i can!"

It is her aim for guests to experience the Philippines with their five senses and beyond. Thus, aside from the culinary delights and a picturesque interior design worthy of lnstagram posts, the venue will also feature modern and traditional cultural performances and games to ensure a fun and truly Pinoy ambiance.

SINAG, the Tagalog word for ’ray of light’ offers all-day Filipino breakfast favorites like our TAPSILOG (TAPa salted beef, Slnangag fried rice and ItLOG fried egg) and Batchoy, an llonggo noodle soup with pork offal, crushed pork cracklings and beef loin.

ALAMAT or legend, tells the story of the different regions of the Philippines through its signature dishes.

BILAO is coined after the woven winnowing basket where comfort snacks like pansit (fried noodles) and puto (rice cakes) are usually served,

PANADERYA offers neighborhood bakery favorites such as pan de sal and kalihim.

TUSOK-TUSOK, on the other hand, offers urban street food finds like barbecue on stick, isaw (grilled chicken intestine) and kwek-kwek (fried quail eggs).

PANULAK or beverage is where the same/amig (cold drinks with different flavors) will be available. Lastly,

PAMPANG or shore will allow guests to enjoy chosen fresh catch cooked to their preference.

All these will be available daily, without the scorching heat and pollution as the space is fully airconditioned. Located at the bustling DD Meridian Park in the Bay Area along EDSA Extension and Macapagal Avenue, lslas Pinas can be easily accessed using both private and public transportation.

”Because of the ideal location of DoubleDragon Plaza at DD Meridian Park our close proximity to the airport terminals and being only about 5 minutes away from NAIA X -we believe ISLAS PINAS will become a must-visit stopover for both domestic and international tourists visiting the capital,” said DoubleDragon's Chairman Edgar lnjap Sia ll.

iSLAS PiNAS is the main anchor of DoubleDragon Plaza, which forms part of the 4.8 Hectare DD Meridian Park commercial and office complex.

With our very discerning palate cultivated from exposure to varied local, foreign, and progressive cooking concepts, Filipinos are constantly craving for fresh culinary adventures. The passionate foodie in each one of us is always on the lookout for a delicious treat. Don’t look now but there’s a new restaurant in Alabang which offers gastronomic experience that has fused together diverse coastal food cultures from all over the world - Akrotiri Modern Eurasian Cuisine.

Conveniently located in Commerce Center, Filinvest City in Alabang, which is fast becoming a true foodie’s paradise, Akrotiri Modern Eurasian Cuisine is a fab place where you can treat your taste buds with its dizzying array of foods to choose from.

Last June 1, 2018, Akrotiri hold the Akrotiri VIP Blogger’s Night and we were treated to some of the best culinary styles and dietary dialects found in different coastlines. But we did not only get to taste Akrotiri’s mouthwatering offerings, as we also took part in fun activities, and of course, personally met the people that brought about this unique Eurasian culinary concept. That night, after Akrotiri’s story was shared through an audio-visual presentation, Akrotiri General Manager, David Jones, shared, “We wanted to bring our knowledge to the Philippines and use all the incredible food that’s in the East and blended it with the West.”

Furthermore, he said that, “Akrotini’s offerings reflect the Mediterranean classics, mainly Greek and other European influences but at the same time, we’ve localized the taste to create a new flavor. One can call it ‘fusion’, but we feel that ‘EurAsian’ highlights what we represent—an amalgamation of influences that have strong ties with the Philippine food culture.”

A feast of specialty menu was offered as part of Akrotiri’s comprehensive food choices—a classic Greek heritage of Mediterranean triad themes that overlap with Malay, Oriental, and European influences.

As we oohed and aahed at the feast presented to us and the menu items that were exhibited separately and plated attractively, we learned that Akrotiri’s Menu is co-conceptualized by Chef Luca Maffei, an Italian chef with intricate taste to flavours and fusion. Chef Luca masterfully re-imagined Akrotiri’s food, bringing the blissful flavours of Asia and Euro-Greek cultures to our local cuisine.

So, what do you think are the best menu items that I got to taste? Here’s my top ten picks. That many, you might ask, but this list has been trimmed down already as I flitted back and forth to the buffet table presented for the event-goer’s delight and indulgence.

First on my list is the (1) 24 Hour Pork Belly. Served with a side of kimchi alongside chunks of pineapple which just points to the tenderness of the pork.

The next biggest highlights of the night are the (2) Grilled Prawns Tamarind Dressing and Greens and the (3) Chocolate Garden Mosaiko. I tried copying the dessert when I got home, thinking it’s just crushed and powdery cookies but I can’t seem to capture its light and airy taste that is heavy and sweet once you melt it in your mouth. Whatever, I can always go back to Akrotiri for this. Anyway, the prawns and the Mosaiko need no words to describe how blissfully delicious they are.

For starters, you should try the (4) Watermelon Feta whose combination is just perfect and sweet.

If you love the idea of a seafood feast, then you will like the (5) Seafood Tagliatelle with Clams, Mussels, Prawns, Squid, and Tomatoes. It tastes of the sea and herb garden all at once.

If you are like me and can’t turn down a burger whenever its on the menu then the (6) Wagyu Burger with Cheese, Shitake Mushrooms, Caramelized Onions, and Rustic Fries is the best. Whoever thought off this Rustic Fries, I must say thank you and can I have more, please.

Lovers of curry can’t possibly pass up the (7) Prawn Tom Yun and Curry Soup, a creamy curry!

Looking for something with a little more local flavor? Try the (8) Adobo Octopus that pairs greatly with the mashed eggplant.

If you want a taste of traditional Sinigang or close to it but with the most succulent meat of all time, have Akrotiri’s popular dish of the (9) Eurasian Sour Soup.

Love chowing down a steak, you come to the right place just to have this (10) Wagyu Skirt-Steak that is so mouth-watering and juicy.

Also showcased are the Shell Fish Sauté with Clams, Mussels, Prawns, Squid, and Tomato, and Souvlaki Skewers for the soup entries. The mezze (appetizers) line-up includes the Sisig Tacos and the Tradito maya maya. For the mains, the Wagyu Skirt Steak with Spicy Chilli Jam, Roasted Vegetables, and Paprika Aioli, as well as the Angus Tenderloin and Rustic Chicken Teriyaki were part of the highlights, while the Tiramisu is another of the Akrotiri’s dessert offerings.

We also had our fill from Akrotiri’s wide selection of wines, spirits, and beer, as well as carefully curated cocktails that collectively reflect Akrotiri’s distinct coastal blending ethos. Specialty drinks like Pimm’s and Lemonade is my top pick. Some of the water being served has unique blends infused with different flavors.

When you’re at Akrotiri, you shouldn’t miss that prominent shelf of the famous Jameson whiskey frames one side the back-bar display and gives rise to a multitude of Irish blends and single malts. Carrying on the island whisky theme you will see single malt scotch from island distilleries while the Japanese also are represented showing the fusion of drinking cultures around the world.

Too bad, we didn’t get to try the Manhattans and Martinis that can be seen being shaken up behind the bar with even coffee being used to create the Espresso Martini. Traditional drinks from British Isles are also served with people tucking in to Bloody Marys. A Tequila Sunrise and the mysterious Dark and Stormy are resting on the bar waiting to be brought to the table. A surprising selection of Gin is on display with some creative combos such as a Rose Gin with dried chili, Gin Mare with mango and pepper and Portobello Road Gin with summer fruits.

Akrotiri’s signature libations are all made with quality ingredients that surely hit the right spots.

“Metro Manila is an emerging market for restaurants and we wanted to present something new, yet still familiar to the Filipino palate. Using local ingredients and principles plays a vital role in bringing to life our concept of showcasing global coastal food cultures through dishes that remain close to home,” said Akrotiri Head Chef, Ereyca Trinidad.

Weaving together the different flavors found on different coastal food cultures all over the world and presenting them as delicious gastronomic offerings makes Akrotiri a unique destination that delivers an exciting culinary experience that will surely indulge every type of Filipino diner.

Akrotiri Modern Eurasian Cuisine is open from 11AM daily. Visit them at Unit 103 G/F Commerce Center Alabang, Commerce Avenue corner Filinvest Avenue, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City, or log in to www.akrotiri.ph and PR@akrotiri.ph for more information.

Who Am I?

I’m Cie. An ex-Banker turned Blogger. An unshakable optimist, I gave up the security of a 9 to 5 job to look for that undefinable something that has made me restless over the years. And now armed with nothing more than a passion and a dream, I’m slowly discovering more about life surrounded by people in events and in places I’ve only read about.

The Diva Princess is also a Bibliophile, Anglophile, Lover of all things British and Korean, Sucker for British accent, Fangirl of Korean Dramas and idols, Liverpool, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafa Nadal and Britney Spears. A Harry Potter Fanatic.