F&B briefs: A Spanish tasting menu, limited-time Friday chill-outs, and a major culinary comeback

Nobu Manila swaps ‘put your hands up’ for a relaxing change of scene every Friday

Friday summer nights will never be the same again with Nobu Manila and its chill-out Fridays
Find your space at any of these fashionable spots to drink and eat the night away

Nobu Manila brings back the outdoor party vibe of Nobu Friday Chill-Out with cool DJ tracks adding a sensory spectacle to Nobu Matsuhisa’s Japanese cuisine and drinks.

From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. every Friday until May 26, Nobu Manila’s happy hour stirs a pulsating experience to cap off your busy week or ease into the weekend with family and friends. Buck the trend of going all out on Fridays and instead revel in some of the most spectacular seafood bounty this side of town: yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño, rock shrimp tempura, black cod butter lettuce, and other premium sushi, sashimi, nigiri, and maki.

Pair the sizzling seafood specials with handcrafted cocktails and signature sake (then park yourself at one of the fashionable cabanas, patio, or bar) you can safely say that this is paradise found.

For inquiries and reservations, call 8800-8080 or email noburestaurant@cod-manila.com

Find your course at CCA Manila’s new campus in Bonifacio Global City

Chef Kerwin Funtanilla, program manager of CCA Manila, teaches fundamental cooking techniques to actors and partners Sofia Andres and Daniel Miranda

The story of the Center for Culinary Arts (CCA Manila) began with a vision to elevate the quality of culinary education in the country, and in the process, elevate Filipino cuisine, talent, and ingenuity. Since its inception more than 25 years ago, CCA Manila has constantly innovated, adapted to the times, set trends, and continuously produced the best culinarians and chefpreneurs. And its new BGC campus is another thoughtful development to this storyline.

“We are very excited to welcome students to our new campus here in BGC… which will give passionate individuals who have a dream to become a professional chef, baker, or even an all-around ‘home cook’ the chance to truly learn from the best chef instructors and industry-leading curriculum,” says Philip John Golding, CCA Manila culinary director.

The recent batch of graduates of the diploma in culinary arts and technology management course with their chef instructors at the new CCA Manila BGC campus

CCA Manila’s curriculum is crafted to meet the demands of real-world kitchens in hotels, resorts, restaurants, cruise ships, or commissaries. Students will not only learn to prepare food but also create innovative dishes, master techniques, effectively operate the kitchen, learn how to do sustainable sourcing, and, naturally, feel pride in contributing to elevate Filipino cuisine

“Aside from individual kitchen stations, each student will be provided with access to online tools and references, plus quality ingredients and mentorship,” adds Golding.

For inquiries, head to their website, email talktous@cca-manila.edu.ph, or  visit their Facebook and Instagram.

A taste of Spain to celebrate the end of summer? Count us in

Terraza Martinez has established itself as a great spot to virtually escape to the magnificent kingdom of Spain. But turns out, its Valencian chef Luis Martinez can turn it up a notch with an epic one-off “la obra de España”: a six-course dinner of Spanish-Mediterranean favorites paired with Rioja wines from Bodegas Faustino, awarded one of the “World’s Most Admired Wine Brands” of 2023, happening on May 18. From crispy jamon croquetas washed down with sparkling cava to a steak platter elevated with a glass of 2012 Rioja, expect a brilliant dinner to celebrate summer in the sexiest way possible.

Contact 0917-527-4370 or email monica.nikkeigroup@gmail.com

Heritage Manila gin kicks off countdown to 190 years

Ginebra San Miguel Inc. (GSMI), the maker of Ginebra San Miguel, officially kicked off the countdown to its flagship brand’s 190 years in an event attended by stakeholders, partners, and supporters.

Ginebra San Miguel, the world’s largest-selling gin and the Philippines’ oldest consumer brand still in the market today, turned 189 this month. “It is a perfect time for the company to kick off the celebration of our flagship brand’s milestone year. Ginebra San Miguel is in such a good position right now. Last year, it delivered record-breaking sales that is the highest in the brand’s history,” said GSMI marketing and sales manager Allan Mercado at the 2023 National Sales Convention held at Manila Hotel.

GSMI marketing and sales manager Allan Mercado during GSMI’s recent National Sales Convention

The story of Ginebra San Miguel began on Mar. 10, 1834, from its humble beginnings in a small distillery in Quiapo to now becoming one of the country’s most iconic brands.

The brand was originally a drink for the privileged—popular among both peninsulares and insulares. To this day, Ginebra San Miguel is still enjoyed by Filipinos from all walks of life and in more than 10 countries. Its gin line has been a consistent Gold Quality Label awardee of the Monde Selection International Quality Institute.

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