Etiquette de Manille & Red Archon

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Easter-rific Staycation at Nobu Hotel Manila

In Culinary Affairs, Desserts, Easter in Manila 2017, Staycation, Travel on April 13, 2017 at 8:13 am

Families looking to unwind amidst a modern and vibrant oasis can avail of a staycation at Nobu Hotel Manila that also offers a complimentary scheduled shuttle service to the nearby Shrine of Jesus church from Maundy Thursday to Black Saturday. The Holy Week Retreat package, which is available from April 9 to 16, consists of a two-night stay at P18,300 net or three nights at P24,800 net and includes: a luxurious accommodation for two persons with buffet breakfast at Nobu restaurant, DreamPlay passes for 2 adults and 2 children, daily Aqua Zumba classes, gym and pool access. Children under 12 years old are free of charge, if sharing room with parents. Daily breakfast at Nobu is complimentary for 2 adults and 2 children, 5 years old and below. For children ages 6-12 years old, buffet breakfast is 50% off the adult rate.

Families will have a grand time at DreamPlay’s Easter Sunday Celebration on April 16, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. With the Easter VIP package, guests at this DreamWorks-inspired play space are entitled to an enticing Easter brunch buffet at Chez Gingy, all day park access, fun-filled Easter activities, special Easter bag with goodies, and “Secret of the Master” movie pass at the Dream Theatre. Guests can join Kung Fu Panda’s Po and other Dreamworks characters in Easter fun activities such as Egg-stravagant Egg Hunt, photo op with Po, Gingy’s “Baking is Colorful” cooking class and dance routines by well-loved DreamWorks characters with the DreamPlay Dreamers. The Easter VIP pass is at P1,799 net per child (80 cm. & above, up to 17 years old) and P1,499 net per adult.

For inquiries and reservations, guests can call 8008080 or email guestservices@cod-manila.com or visit cityofdreams.com.

Hoppy Easter Party at the Diamond Hotel Philippines

In Culinary Affairs, Easter in Manila 2017, Staycation, Table Etiquette, Travel on April 12, 2017 at 3:06 am

Join Diamond Hotel Philippines’ Hoppy Easter Party, and spend Easter Sunday hopping from one activity to the next on April 16, 2017 from 10am to 2pm at the Diamond Ballroom.

Calling all kids and kids at heart, HOP into the Easter playground and enjoy the Easter bunny game plan which includes: face and egg painting, cupcake decorating, photo booth, glimmer tattoo, kids’ salon, live musical entertainment and a magic show. Have your photos taken with giant pastel-colored eggs and adorable bunnies at the upper lobby and expect special cartoon character guest appearances – definitely worth posting on your favorite social media app. Also, kids and adults alike can indulge and enjoy an assortment of sweets, from chocolate eggs to fluffy cotton candy, and mini cupcakes that will be available for sale along with other delightful snacks from the hotel.  Bring the whole family, be amazed and explore all the treats enchantingly prepared for you. Children in Easter-inspired costumes will get a chance to win exciting prizes from the hotel and sponsors.

In the Grand Raffle Draw, kids will get a chance to win Beats by Dr. Dre headphone and speaker.  Ticket price is at Php1,000 nett per person inclusive of a take home snack box. Diamond Indulgence Cardholders will get Php100 off on the price, maximum of 4 tickets only for purchase.  For inquiries call 528-3000 ext. 8461.  Event is in partnership with Toy Kingdom, Monde Nissin, Rebisco, Resourceful International, Liwayway Marketing, Galinco, Nestle, Kiddie Party, Shutterbugs, Don Robert, Trans Abi, Red Damien, SJO Lights and Sounds, 7lily and Airlink.

Spend the Easter holidays with family and experience an Easter-rific staycation from April 10 to 16, 2017 with the hotel’s Hoppydee-Hop Room Packages. Stay overnight in a Deluxe room for only Php 5,000 nett inclusive of a buffet breakfast for 2 at Corniche, access to the swimming pool, use of the Health Club and Spa, 20% discount on massage and reflexology, and one (1) FREE ticket (per room, per stay) to the Hoppy Easter party.  Book for 2 nights and get the room at Php4,800 nett per night!  Room only offer (excludes breakfast) is also available at Php4,300 nett per night.

Room packages are applicable to local residents only. Prior reservation is encouraged. Offers may not be availed in conjunction with any other promotions or discounts. For room reservations call 528-3000 ext. 1141 and use the promo code: HOPPYEASTER.

Diamond Hotel Philippines is located at Roxas Boulevard corner Dr. J. Quintos Street, Manila. For inquiries, please call (632) 528-3000 or email guestservices@diamondhotel.com. For more information on Diamond Hotel Philippines, please visit www.diamondhotel.com. For hotel updates and special offerings, follow the hotel on Facebook, YouTube and Google+ at Diamond Hotel Philippines, and Instagram and Twitter at DiamondHotelPh.

VINEXPO HONG KONG 2016 OPENS

In Articles, Tasting Notes, Travel, Wine, Wine is King on May 25, 2016 at 3:45 am

THE LARGEST INTERNATIONAL WINE + SPIRITS SHOWCASE SET TO WELCOME 17,000 professional visitors, 1,300 exhibitors and 33 producing countries over the three day show which runs from May 24-26 2016.

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(Hong Kong May 24, 2016) – Ms Rosanna Law, JP Acting Commissioner for Tourism of Hong Kong, Mr. Ettore Francesco Sequi, Ambassador of Italy in Beijing and Mr. Anthony Lau Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board joined Chairman Mr. Xavier de Eizaguirre and Mr. Guillaume Deglise CEO of Vinexpo Hong Kong to welcome esteemed guests, wine exhibitors, trade professionals and media to the 2016 show at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre.

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3 Days with famous faces and acclaimed brands, with 33 producing wine countries—masterclasses, seminars, tastings and trade, across three levels of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.  Pauli Antoine, VINEXPOHK2016

 

Champagne Lounge

In Articles, Tasting Notes, Travel, Wine, Wine is King on May 18, 2016 at 2:20 pm

Tasting Notes by Pauli Antoine . The Champagne Lounge, a first-of-its kind in Asia held at ProWine Asia Singapore last April 2016.  Sampled the best Champagnes: Angel, AIMÉ CARTIER, BROCARD PIERRE, CATTIER, DUMANGIN, Remy Massin, Pierre Mignon, Tendil & Lombardi and TAITTINGER http://www.champagne-lounge.fr

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The romance of Ladurée and genteel tea leaves in Paris

In Desserts, Tea Etiquette, Travel, Travel and Culture on October 2, 2015 at 8:01 am
Photos by Pauli AntoineParisian tea salons. In 1862 Louis Ernest Ladurée, a miller from southwest France, fashioned a bakery at one of the most elegant business districts in Paris. Ladurée pastry shop's decor was designed by Jules Cheret, a famous painter and poster artist. Cheret inspired by the painting techniques used for the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and the Garnier Opera.
Parisian tea salons. In 1862 Louis Ernest Ladurée, a miller from southwest France, fashioned a bakery at one of the most elegant business districts in Paris. Ladurée pastry shop’s decor was designed by Jules Cheret, a famous painter and poster artist. Cheret inspired by the painting techniques used for the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and the Garnier Opera.
Ladurée Dessert Shop and Tea Room · Madeleine 16 rue Royale (Rue Saint-Honoré), 75008 Paris, France

Ladurée Dessert Shop and Tea Room · Madeleine 16 rue Royale (Rue Saint-Honoré), 75008 Paris, France

Delightful double-decker French Macaron framboise rose at Ladurée's Parisian tea room. Love the balance of sweetness and rose flavor.

Delightful double-decker French Macaron framboise rose at Ladurée’s Parisian tea room. Love the balance of sweetness and rose flavor.

Ladurée Beauté home fragrance

Ladurée Beauté home fragrance

Ladurée romantic boxes

Ladurée romantic boxes

A token from Paris—Ladurée keychain ring Eiffel Tower Macaron charms my heart...

A token from Paris—Ladurée keychain ring Eiffel Tower Macaron charms my heart…

Ladurée Beauté floral candles

Ladurée Beauté floral candles


Dining at Purple Yam, New York

In Culinaria Icons, Travel on April 12, 2015 at 6:53 am
Dining at Purple Yam, New York with Chef Romy Dorotan and friends—

Dining at Purple Yam, New York with Chef Romy Dorotan and friends—

When in New York, don’t miss Chef Romy Dorotan and Amy Besa’s Purple Yam

Here’s to celebrate the wonderful food creations and beverage concoctions of Romy—a Filipino culinary icon, proud of his heritage, well-celebrated in New York City.

Purple Yam's Signature Blends

Purple Yam’s Signature Blends

Purple Yam's Signature Blends by Romy Dorotan

Purple Yam’s Signature Blends by Romy Dorotan

Romy prepared wonderful Martinis for us at Purple Yam, New York. The Signature Blends made for Purple Yam— Mount Apo blend, Demon Flower and Indigo Saffron Palette

Romy prepared wonderful Martinis for us at Purple Yam, New York. The Signature Blends made for Purple Yam— Mount Apo blend, Demon Flower and Indigo Saffron Palette

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Martinis in New York! Wonderful creations, we tried them all at Purple Yam. You must try the Passion Fruit, Rasberry, Guava, Young Coconut or Thai Chile Pepper. Thanks to Romy Dorotan and Amy Besa of Purple Yam, New York.

Martinis in New York!
Wonderful creations! We tried them all at Purple Yam. You must have the Passion Fruit, Rasberry, Guava, Young Coconut or Thai Chile Pepper.
Thanks to Romy Dorotan and Amy Besa of Purple Yam, New York.

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Purple Yam’s Homemade Ice Creams and Sorbets—Purple Yam, Jackfruit, Avocado

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Dumplings, Noodles, Pancakes, Pinoy dishes and homemade desserts are all so good here!

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Feeling close to home— One of my favorite desserts was prepared by Romy Dorotan at his restaurant in New York City.

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Ferrari Carano Vineyards and Winery

In Articles, Travel on June 29, 2014 at 11:50 am
Reminiscing my visit to Ferrari Carano Vineyards and Winery---- We enjoyed a bottle of Ferrari Carano last Saturday to celebrate the birthdays of special friends at CAV. I remember how thrilled I was to visit the Ferrari Carano Vineyards and Winery. Ferrari Carano wines are celebrated during banquets at the White House.

Reminiscing my visit to Ferrari Carano Vineyards and Winery—-
We enjoyed a bottle of Ferrari Carano last Saturday to celebrate the birthdays of special friends at CAV. I remember how thrilled I was to visit the Ferrari Carano Vineyards and Winery. Ferrari Carano wines are celebrated during banquets at the White House.

Ferrari Carano Vineyards and Winery

Ferrari Carano Vineyards and Winery

Ferrari Carano Vineyards and Winery----

Ferrari Carano Vineyards and Winery founded in 1981, located in Sonoma County’s Cry Creek Valley

 

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Lebanese Sweets and Lighthouses

In Tea Etiquette, Travel, Travel and Culture on June 20, 2014 at 10:50 am

European and Middle Eastern Sweets, perfectly crafted in Lebanon!

When visiting Lebanon, you shouldn’t miss three places—Sea Sweet Patisserie, The House of El Douaihy Sweets and Al Manara. Autumn 2013 Pauli Antoine | All Rights Reserved
Sea Sweet Patisserie opened in 1973 and has opened more than a dozen stores in Lebanon. In 2008, the first international store opened in Sydney. Sea Sweet Patisserie opened in 1973, and now has more than a dozen stores in Lebanon. In 2008, its first international store opened in Sydney. Autumn 2013 Pauli Antoine | All Rights Reserved

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We surprised our beautiful host with stunning SeaSweet desserts…

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Our gracious host prepared a festive table with fruits and Limoncino...

Our gracious host prepared a festive table with fruits and Limoncino…

Al Manara The Old Lighthouse in Beirut. We had our Sunday sunset dinner by the old Al Manara with the view of the Mediterranean sea. Our host has a beautiful roof, her building is right next to the Al Manara.

The Romantic Al Manara!
The Old Lighthouse in Beirut built in the 1850’s.  Manara is Arabic for lighthouse.                                                                       We had our Sunday sunset dinner by the old Al Manara with the view of the Mediterranean sea. Our host has a beautiful roof-top garden; her building is right next to the Al Manara and American Lebanese University.

Breathtaking view of modern Beirut, the new lighthouse, stadium and the Mediterranean sea. There's the modern lighthouse, built closer to the water. This photo taken in November 2013 by Pauli Antoine.

On Rue Manara!                                                                                                                                                            Breathtaking view of modern Beirut, the new lighthouse, stadium and the Mediterranean sea. Lebanon was a French protectorate from 1920 until the 1950’s. The modern lighthouse was built closer to the water.                                             Autumn 2013 Pauli Antoine | All Rights Reserved

Don’t forget to try Sea Sweet’s Tiramisu . Chocolate Éclair . 3 Chocolat . Black Forest . Vanile Éclair . Swiss Roll . Cheese Cake .

Tarte Strawberry . Tarte Chocolat

 Heavenly Tartes!  Tarte Exotic. Tart base filled with custard cream topped with mixed fresh fruits

Tarte Banane. Tart base filled with custard cream, banana pieces & a sprinkle of cinnamon

Baba au Rhum (alcohol free). Sweet syrup infused sponge with pineapple centre and topped with fresh cream

Boule. A chocolate encased sensation with a soft centred choc-nut dough

White Forest. White sponge with fruit pieces and fresh cream, topped with shavings

Charlotte Strawberry. Strawberry infused mousse with custard and fresh cream

Sablé. Oversized chocolate-covered flat biscuit with chocolate filling

Choux a la Crème Chocolat. Custard filled cream ball with shaved chocolate topping

Bahamas. Mousse mixture with an exotic banana twist

Acajou. Chocolate encased arc of caramel and chocolate mousse centre

Mousse Chocolat. Belgium chocolate mousse encrusted in chocolate

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DOUAIHY is one of the leading gourmet Lebanese pastries in town.

The best tasting Lebanese Baklava and Knafe are made by DOUAIHY!

The House of El Douaihy (pronounced doo-wahee), is a prominent and noble Lebanese-Levantine family of French origin. Throughout history, the Douaihys endowed the community with a host of illustrious men. Highly loved and respected by their subjects, the Douaihys are known to be a religious family that fostered four Patriarchs, seventeen Bishops, and hundreds of monks and nuns. To this day, the clan remains a well-spring of academics, diplomats, generals, parliament members, artists and confectioners! They have one of the best confectionery shops in Lebanon and the most heavenly Baklava I have ever tasted! Sweets from the House of El Douaihy—

The House of El Douaihy (pronounced doo-wahee), is a prominent and noble Lebanese-Levantine family of French origin. Throughout history, the Douaihys endowed the community with a host of illustrious men. Highly loved and respected by their subjects, the Douaihys are known to be a religious family that fostered four Patriarchs, seventeen Bishops, and hundreds of monks and nuns. To this day, the clan remains a well-spring of academics, diplomats, generals, parliament members, artists and confectioners! They have one of the best confectionery shops in Lebanon and the most heavenly Baklava I have ever tasted!
Sweets from the House of El Douaihy |Autumn 2013 Pauli Antoine | All Rights Reserved

 

 

 

 

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Beirut Airport! You can still catch the DOUAIHY sweets at the airport to take home..

Beirut Airport!
You can still catch DOUAIHY sweets at the airport to take home with you.

This special Baklava set is for my friends in Dubai!

This special Baklava set with a photo of Byblos is for my friend, Mikaela in Dubai.                                                                                                               Byblos is one of the oldest fishing villages in the region.

This one goes to Manila!

This one goes to Manila!

The Wonders of Oslob’s Whale Sharks

In Travel on April 23, 2014 at 11:43 am

The Wonders of Oslob’s Whale Sharks.

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The Wonders of Oslob’s Whale Sharks

In Travel on April 23, 2014 at 11:29 am

Oslob, Cebu

By Pauli Antoine

I just ticked-off one item from my bucket list—to swim alongside a whale shark with my son! Whale sharks (a.k.a. “butandings”) are the largest fish in the sea. There are only a handful of destinations around the world where in-season sightings are almost guaranteed. Lucky, Oslob, on the southern tip of Cebu, is the half-way home to probably the largest school of whale sharks in the world. According to Oslob’s boatmen, Raymond, Lucky 7 and Charming regularly come to feed, and they always bring “new recruits” each day. 0730H Arrival at Oslob The Welcome Committee of Oslob Whale Sharks Center is well-organized. They greeted us at the entrance, and directed our van to the parking lot. Registration fee is PhP500 per person. If you are coming from Cebu city, it is best to leave at 4am. Oslob ETA is 7am.

I just ticked-off one item from my bucket list—to swim alongside a whale shark with my son! Whale sharks (a.k.a. “butandings”) are the largest fish in the sea. There are only a handful of destinations around the world where in-season sightings are almost guaranteed. Lucky, Oslob, on the southern tip of Cebu, is the half-way home to probably the largest school of whale sharks in the world. According to Oslob’s boatmen, Raymond, Lucky 7 and Charming regularly come to feed, and they always bring “new recruits” each day.
0730H Arrival at Oslob
The Welcome Committee of Oslob Whale Sharks Center is well-organized. They greeted us at the entrance, and directed our van to the parking lot. Registration fee is PhP500 per person. If you are coming from Cebu city, it is best to leave at o4ooH, Oslob ETA is 0700H.

0735H Briefing & Gear Up The Whale Sharks Center OIC gave a briefing on what to do (and not do!) when the whale sharks approach. He said we can touch the whale sharks but I thought it was best to keep a respectful distance from the gentle giants, and resist the urge to touch them or use flash photography. We were not allowed to have sunblock or lotion on, and all were required to take a shower before loading onto the small boats. Preserving this Magical Experience There are counters that offer photo services (about PhP500) and video too!

0735H Briefing & Gear Up
The Whale Sharks Center OIC gave a briefing on what to do (and not do!) when the whale sharks approach. He said we can’t touch the whale sharks, I thought it was best to keep a respectful distance from the gentle giants, and resist the urge to touch them or use flash photography. We were not allowed to have sunblock or off lotion on, and all were required to take a shower before loading onto the small boats.
Preserving this Magical Experience
There are counters that offer photo services (about PhP500) and video too!

Ready

At the Whale Pods Enjoying our time with the whale sharks. They come for feeding from early morning till noon.

At the Whale Pods
Enjoying our time with the whale sharks. They come for feeding from early morning till noon.

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Runway! Whale sharks look like 747s. It was like watching a runway from above! The thought of swimming alongside them petrified me, but when they proved to be gentle and peaceful I calmed down. I wonder what they tell their deep ocean friends after each encounter near the shore.

Runway!
Whale sharks look like 747s. It was like watching a runway from above! The thought of swimming alongside them petrified me, but when they proved to be gentle and peaceful I calmed down. I wonder what they tell their deep ocean friends after each encounter near the shore.