From Cravings in Maginhawa to the new Gordon Ramsay restaurant at Newport World Resorts, foodies are welcome to savor this month’s most delicious news

You can now make reservations at Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill’s new Manila location

Decked out in imported Spanish tiles, hand-laid wood panels and bricks as well as bespoke Philippine-made furniture, the 400 sq.m restaurant can accommodate up to a hundred guests inside its main dining room, bar and lounge, and two private dining rooms. The second Asian outpost of Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill is opening for lunch and dinner on Aug. 31, 2024 at Newport World Resorts.

Thanks to its proximity to Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, the restaurant is meant to capture demand from both local and regional diners as well as transit guests.

“Having personally met chef Ramsay at The Londoner in Macao, his larger-than-life personality and our shared enthusiasm in opening one of the most sought-after restaurants in the culinary world, strengthens our position as the most multifaceted integrated resort in the country, leading the way in elevated dining experiences for all our guests,” announces Newport World Resorts chair Kevin L. Tan.

Customers can expect and enjoy quintessential British classics like fish and chips, crispy crab cakes and Sturia Oscietra caviar, premium steaks, and seafood alongside a Gordon Ramsay signature, the beef Wellington.

For reservations, visit their website

Our cup of tea? Margarita Forés’ afternoon tea service at Lusso

Margarita Forés has been serving superlative food from time immemorial. Being an industry pillar and icon of Filipino and Italian cuisine, it makes sense that Asia’s Best Female Chef 2016 is stretching out her culinary chops with a lovely afternoon tea service at Lusso.

“I’ve always wanted to serve a proper afternoon tea at Lusso,” Forés says. “Afternoon tea conjures memories of my mother and I sitting in the lobby of The Peninsula in Hong Kong, leisurely sipping tea and eating perfectly sliced sandwiches and bite-sized cakes and pastries while enjoying the sights and sounds of the bustling lobby.”

“Afternoon tea conjures memories of my mother and I sitting in the lobby of The Peninsula in Hong Kong, leisurely sipping tea and eating perfectly sliced sandwiches and bite-sized cakes and pastries while enjoying the sights and sounds of the bustling lobby,” says Margarita Forés.

Every item in Forés’ three-tiered afternoon tea trays evokes this “long-cherished desire” and modern interpretation of the British tradition. Service begins with freshly brewed tea (your choice of classic or exotic blends) followed by scones (British or American English pronunciation?) served with clotted cream, strawberry jam, and unsalted French butter.

The second level offers a selection of timeless savory sandwiches. Tuck into the refreshing goat cheese and cucumber, wholesome deviled egg and watercress, and tuna with French butter, homemade mayonnaise, and potato crisps, but the real draw is the PLT, an elevated take on the sandwich using artisanal pancetta instead of bacon.

Finally, perched atop the highest tier is an assortment of pastries and cakes beautifully arranged with that typical Lusso flourish. This sweet level never disappoints. The hazelnut, walnut, and pecan trio tart is a delight and so is the mocha sans rival with milk chocolate and cashews. For a fresher finish to the afternoon tea, the pecorino cheesecake with fresh strawberries and  Strawberry Prosecco tiramisù are spectacular choices.

Every item in Margarita Forés’ three-tiered afternoon tea trays evokes this “long-cherished desire” and modern interpretation of the British tradition.

“I created Lusso as a jewel box fashioned by my childhood memories,” shares Forés. “Whether it’s a mother-son, mother-daughter, father-son, or father-daughter date, a gathering for family and friends, ladies who lunch, or merienda, these are perfect occasions for our afternoon tea at Lusso.”

The Afternoon Tea at Lusso is priced at P1,550+ for a single guest and P2,950+ for two guests. Champagne service is available at an additional charge. All prices include taxes plus a 10 percent service charge. Afternoon tea is served at Lusso Greenbelt 5 and Lusso Balmori Suites daily from 2 to 5 p.m. For reservations, call Lusso Greenbelt at 0917-7005893 or Lusso Balmori Suites at 0917-1805893

Joel’s Place is the place to meet, shop, and eat

There’s always something to sample at Joel’s Place.

Since opening at The Proscenium Retail Row in Rockwell, the contemporary grocerant has become the new third place; the perfect place for a bite or drink or a conversation with the knowledgeable staff or a location to dwell and soak in the thoughtful selection of products and produce.

The second location at the ground floor of Rustan’s Makati in Glorietta 4 maintains that vibe and intimacy for both savvy shoppers and newbies who are only starting to learn their way around the place.

“We are very excited for the opportunity to expand Joel’s Place at one of Makati’s prominent landmarks. Nestled in the Central Business District, we hope to be a source of delight and refreshment to nearby residents and the busy Filipino workforce. Whether it be a coffee-to-go, a hearty snack, or gourmet ingredients for their delicious home-cooked meals, we want our patrons to feel our neighborly care and the warmth of home through our service,” says Joel’s Place CEO and president Donnie Tantoco.

Wander through The Grocer for fresh local and international produce like Guimaras mangoes, Pangasinan tomatoes, Japanese melons, and Spanish bell peppers. At The Butcher and The Fishmonger, the stations occupy assorted premium meats, free-range poultry, and sustainably sourced seafood.

But the energy at Joel’s Place is unabashedly relatable. On-the-go customers can head to The Deli for a quick meal, The Barista for bold coffee, and The Baker for fresh bread. It doesn’t feel out of place to just be there for whatever you need or want—pick up a bottle of wine at The Sommelier or explore the neat aisles or indulge in scoops of gelato by Miko Aspiras at The Gelateria or ogle at the charcuterie or cheeses from The Dairy and The Charcutie.

The selection at Joel’s Place may be complex but the feeling you get is uncomplicated. It’s Joel’s (happy) place, after all.

Joel’s Place is open Mondays to Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Fridays to Sundays from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and is located at the G/F Rustan’s Makati, Ayala Center

In Maginhawa, give in to your cravings

Approaching its 36th year, it’s little wonder we find ourselves seeing the brand open a new dessert bar and events place in the heart of Quezon City’s food district. Simply called House of Cravings, the place isn’t just rich in history but also in delicious beauty. A particular highlight is its unlimited cake and coffee buffet that showcases Cravings’ signature offerings.

You can expect a dessert bar that offers an array of classic cakes, like the chocolate caramel and devil’s food cake, and experimental choices like  polvoron and dayap cakes. The cake and coffee buffet meanwhile makes the activity a popular pastime, especially when you sample brews made with their Cravings blend.

But this is also the place to start your day with savory delights like a roast beef sandwich or stop over midday for some shopping at the retail area where you can purchase local products like organic vinegar from Annie’s Kitchen, strawberry balsamic jam from Chef Waya, and bacon chops from Baken.

Or, if you’re feeling it, book the private events area for up to 50 guests for special occasions.

Cravings is located at 28 Maginhawa Street, Quezon City