Food Perfection at The Tivoli.

Yes, it's that time again when Mandarin Oriental offers a whole new menu in their outlets where I am extremely lucky to be invited to. 

This time, The Tivoli gives us something mouthwatering to look forward to. 

Manila’s signature fine-dining restaurant brings its famous culinary portfolio of modern European cuisine to new heights as it introduces a delectable a la carte menu with distinctive yet classic twists on everything from starters to desserts. Created by Executive Sous Chef Remi Vercelli, the new French-inspired contemporary menu of fresh, ingredient-driven cuisine proffers selections that are a sensuous treat for both the casual diner and food connoisseur.

In every course, Chef Remi enhances his menu with only the choicest seasonal ingredients, all bursting with flavors that are reminiscent of his many years’ apprenticeship with chef extraordinaire Paul Bocuse. 

Escargot persillade in shell.

The regular diners of Tivoli will delight in also finding some of their usual favorite dishes on the menu: The Tivoli’s Signature Salad of lobster, scallop, king prawns and pan-fried foie gras; 

Tivoli foie gras terrine and pickled mushrooms salad

Sautéed duck foie gras, asparagus, mango and green papaya chutney

US Beef Tenderloin Rossini with potatoes salardaise  -- a classic Tivoli dish

Lamb Rack, my order. I would have been happier with 3 slices. That's how good it is. 

Tartare of swordfish "Cesar", pomme pont neuf

Chef Remi outdid himself and we all sported a very happy belly. 

A birthday cake came out for Mr. Scott Garceau! 

The five men who truly know their good food. 

Scott Garceau, Peter Psyk (Director of F and B), Chef Remi Vercelli, Executive Pastry Chef Darren Harding and Jeroen Van Straten. (L-R)

But I am not done yet. Dessert is up next. 

Not to be outdone, the mouth-watering desserts created by

Executive Pastry Chef Darren Harding vie for equal attention. 

Baked Espresso tart with Baileys Mascarpone ice cream

My ULTIMATE favorite, The Tivoli’s signature dessert, the Strawberry and Basil Dome.

I love messy desserts! This is a dream come true.

Love how my tanzanite ring matches the glass. 

I was so happy with the new menu, service and of course, the ambiance that I booked another lunch for my special friends next week. Can't wait!!! 

The Tivoli is open for lunch on Monday to Friday and dinner on Monday to Saturday. For more information on the new a la carte menu, contact Mandarin Oriental, Manila on 750-8888 or email momnl-tivoli@mohg.com. 

Bench with Taylor Lautner.

Holy Macaroni!! I have always preferred Taylor/Jacob over Rob/Edward. I am glad that Mr. Ben Chan decided to get TL for Bench. The clothes seem perfect for his lifestyle although I prefer he wasn't clothed at all. Haha. 

Anyway, saw this in my cousin's blog, CHUVANESS and thought I would help spread the word. 

Go Team Bench!!!

Cris And Ruffa's Birthday Bash.

When Cris Albert throws a party, there's 3 things to expect:

BEAUTIFUL floral arrangements

FABULOUS guests

AMAZING fun. 

So when you get an invite to attend one of her many many events, you make sure you go or else you miss out on something worth writing home about.

Tim Yap says a few words for the birthday girl. 

Then Ruffa thanks Cris Albert for throwing this birthday bash for her as well. She wears Jul B. Dizon bangle and ring. (plugging)

And of course, Ms. Cris Albert thanks everyone for celebrating with her and Ruffa. She wears a Dennis Lustico dress. (plugging for my friend)

Mr. Edu Manzano is too hot for words. 

JM Rodriguez who was the host sang while Tessa Valdes showed us a few moves. 

Love your earrings, Grace. (Jul Dizon)

Photo by Patrick Rosas

Chef Samuel Linder and Javi Testa of The Peninsula Manila took care of us. 

I WANT MORE OF THIS!!! 

Happy Happy Birthday Cris and Ruffa!!!

Robert Blancaflor Does it Again.

Although I know so well what his creative mind can do, Robert Blancaflor has once again amazed me at the magical transformation that he pulled out of his hat for the birthday dinner of Ms. Cris Albert and Ruffa Gutierrez at Old Manila, The Peninsula Hotel.

I have seen his work many times before. In fact, I have asked him to do a few of our events and I was always very happy with the outcome. So happy that I decided to show you a before and after look of what he can do. This is just a private dinner for 40. Small venue, but strict requirements by Ms. Cris Albert. 

"I want it dark and romantic."

If you have been to Old Manila, you can say that with the original decor, it is already quite romantic. 

I was only too excited to see what RB will do with it to make it even more so.

Photo by Peninsula Manila

He started taking out all the tables and chairs. 

This is what I saw before I went up back to my office.

I peeked inside The Conservatory where the flowers are being arranged. 

And this is how it was when I got back for the party. 

Truly proud to know you and have you as a good friend, Robert. Amazing work, as usual.

Visit his website here. 

ROBERT BLANCAFLOR GROUP.

The cake is by Ms. Penk Ching.

Assets, RED HOT LABEL.

This season, experience comfortable and beautiful shapewear at just a fraction of the cost with ASSETS® Red Hot Label™ by SPANX - a new collection of shapewear designed to help more women achieve their own red carpet look – for less! 

Comfortable, slimming, and figure-flattering, ASSETS® is definitely something every woman can afford to love! It offers smart, functional, and beautiful designs that are available in a range of slimming hosiery solution and intimate apparel collection. A luxe addition to the much-loved SPANX brand, ASSETS® Red Hot Label™ features light-as-air slips, shapers with style, slimming tops that can’t be topped and more. Each Red Hot piece delivers the fit, innovation and premium quality that only the SPANX shaping experts can provide. 

 And thanks to the exclusive, fashion-inspired silhouettes and design details, covering your assets has never looked this red hot!

 In the U.S., ASSETS was launched in 2006 “to help more women experience the power of shapewear,” says SPANX Founder Sara Blakely. 

“Women everywhere love ASSETS not only for its value, but also for its comfortable results. Now, with ASSETS® Red Hot Label™, we’re giving them even more ways to look and feel their absolute best in their clothes”, ends Blakely. Depending on the compression level you need, ASSETS® Red Hot Label™ offers several exciting lines you can choose from. Find the best styles suited for your silhouette – and leave your worries behind!