Food writer and blogger Lori Baltazar on the cover of Fully Booked Zine.
I got to interview Lori Baltazar of dessertcomesfirst.com for Fully Booked Zine. Lori is one of Manila’s first, and most respected food bloggers, and is also a friend. And because we both like food, it was decided that the interview be conducted in a place that served a lot of it.
Lori let me pick, so I chose Paris Delice along Makati Avenue because I had read about it in her blog and had always wanted to try it but never really got the chance.
I was deathly afraid of being late because of traffic, so I made sure to get there early. It was a rainy Friday afternoon, and I had just come from a tiring day of work. Friday rush + rain + work are good enough reasons to order soup.
Soup!
The soup is self-serve, which means that after you pay, you make your way to the electric tureen full of cream soup that sits beside the drinks refrigerator. Self-serve is always fun for me because it lets me interact with my food more. I forget what the soup was (the interview was a long time ago, and I was too busy readying myself for the interview and conducting the interview itself to take notes on the food), but I remember that it was creamy and comforting. It wasn’t hot enough for me, but then my ancestors come from Fujian, where soups and hot drinks are served at a temperature that can be described as almost volcanic. And though I didn’t eat generous the piece of baguette it was served with, it was a comfort to know that it was there, just in case I needed it to fill my belly.
I was about done when Lori arrived, right on time. She went to the counter and came back with this:
Chocolate Bun
It’s a bun filled with chocolate, which she said that I absolutely had to try. I’m not usually a fan of bread + chocolate but this was really good. Soft bread encased rich chocolate. It was very, very hard not to distract her, then gobble it all up while she wasn’t looking. We had a wonderful talk, most of which ended up in my interview of her in Fully Booked’s Zine. In the middle of the interview (which was more chikahan than an actual interview, really), the owners send us–well, Lori– some macarons.
Holey Macaron-i! (Sorry, couldn't resist)
The macarons, most of which we divided then took home, were soft, delicately flavored and not too sweet, each of them a small, round reason to go back.
My interview with Lori is in this month’s Fully Booked Zine. Get it for free at any Fully Booked branch.
Paris Delice
1 Juno St. cor Makati Ave.
(+632)7980740
www.paris-delice.com
Shang Palace’s Eat All You Can Dimsum
Shangri La Makati‘s Chinese restaurant Shang Palace offers eat all you can dimsum for Php888++ from 11:30 – 2:30pm on weekdays, barring holidays. It’s a pretty great deal, especially since it comes with unlimited soup, rice and dessert, plus one main dish per customer.
Aside from dim sum regulars like fried seafood rolls, pork buns and taro puffs,
Fried Seafood Rolls
Pork Buns
Taro Puffs
there are exquisite offerings like deep fried tiger prawn with wasabi mayo (I would have wanted more wasabi but that’s just me), Steamed Lobster with Egg White and Broccoli (light yet decadent, enough to indulge one’s senses without the guilt of a too full stomach)
Steamed Lobster with Egg White and Broccoli
and Hot Prawn Salad, the latter the best I have ever tasted, the prawns big and juicy, almost shadowing the fruit cocktail mix that make up the rest of the salad.
Hot Prawn Salad, or what's left of it.
For dessert, I had the Chilled Mango Pudding with Fresh Milk (Php150 but comes with the eat all you can promo), which I liked so much I had two bowls of it.
Chilled Mango Pudding with Fresh Milk
All in all, not a bad deal considering you’ll be eating high quality dimsum in a swanky hotel. I say it’s money well spent.
Shang Palace 2F Makati Shangri-La Hotel Ayala Ave. cor. Makati Ave. Makati City, Metro Manila Philippines +63-2 8138888
2010 Bram Stoker Award Winners Announced
The winners of the 2010 Bram Stoker Awards, courtesy of tor.com: Superior Achievement in Novel Winner: A Dark Matter by Peter Straub Rot and Run by Jonathan Maberry Dead Love by Linda Watanabe McFerrin Apocalypse of the Dead by Joe McKinney Dweller by Jeff Strand Superior Achievement in a First Novel (tie) Winner: Black and Orange by Benjamin Kane Ethridge Winner: Castle of Los Angeles by Lisa Morton A Books of Tongues by Gemma Files Spellbent by Lucy Snyder Superior Achievement in Long Fiction Winner: Invisible Fences by Norman Prentiss The Painted Darkness by Brian James Freeman Dissolution by Lisa Mannetti Monsters Among Us by Kirstyn McDermott The Samhanach by Lisa Morton Superior Achievement in Short Fiction Winner: The Folding Man by Joe R. Lansdale Return to Mariabronn by Gary Braunbeck 1925: A Fall River Halloween by Lisa Mannetti In the Middle of the Poplar Street by Nate Southard Final Draft by Mark W. Worthen Superior Achievement in an Anthology Winner: Haunted Legends edited by Ellen Datlow and Nick Mamatas Dark Faith edited by Maurice Broaddus and Jerry Gordon Horror Library IV edited by R.J. Cavender and, Boyd E. Harris Macabre: A Journey Through Australia’s Darkest Fears edited by Angela Challis and Marty Young The New Dead edited by Christopher Golden Superior Achievement in a Collection Winner: Full Dark, No Stars by Stephen King Occulation by Laird Barron Blood and Gristle by Michael Louis Calvillo The Ones that Got Away by Stephen Graham Jones A Host of Shadows by Harry Shannon Superior Achievement in Nonfiction Winner: To Each Their Darkness by Gary A. Braunbeck The Conspiracy Against the Human Race by Thomas Ligotti Wanted Undead of Alive by Jonathan Maberry and Janice Gable Bashman Listen to the Echoes: The Ray Bradbury Interviews by Sam Weller Superior Achievement in a Poetry Collection Winner: Dark Matters by Bruce Boston Wild Hunt of the Stars by Ann K. Schwader Diary of a Gentleman Diabolist by Robin Spriggs Vicious Romantic by Wrath James White HWA Specialty Press Award Dark Regions Press HWA Silver Hammer Award Angel Leigh McCoy HWA Richard Laymon Award Michael Colangelo Congratulations, everyone!
Datlow, Feldstein Win Lifetime Horror Award
The Horror Writers Association has chosen two long-time icons of the genre to receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award this year. The award, given in recognition of the recipient’s overall body of work, will go to Ellen Datlow and to Al Feldstein.
Ellen Datlow is unquestionably one of the most influential editors in the history of the horror genre. Her long-running The Year’s Best Fantasy and Horror (which she co-edited with Terri Windling, Kelly Link, and Gavin J. Grant), and, more recently, The Best Horror of the Year have helped define the art of horror writing since 1988. Other acclaimed works she’s edited include Inferno, Poe: 19 New Tales Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe, Darkness: Two Decades of Modern Horror, Lovecraft Unbound, The Beastly Bride (with Terri Windling), Teeth: Vampire Tales (also with Terri Windling), and Haunted Legends (with Nick Mamatas). Forthcoming are Supernatural Noir, Naked City: Tales of Urban Fantasy, Blood and Other Cravings, and the young adult dystopian anthology After (the last with Windling). She was fiction editor of OMNI Magazine and SCIFICTION and has won multiple Locus Awards, Hugo Awards, Stoker Awards, International Horror Guild Awards, World Fantasy Awards, and The Shirley Jackson Award for her editing. She was named recipient of the 2007 Karl Edward Wagner Award, given during the British Fantasy Convention for “outstanding contribution to the genre.” Ellen also co-curates the long-running Fantastic Fiction at KGB reading series in New York City’s East Village. Ellen, who will be attending the gala Stoker Awards presentation in Long Island on June 18 to receive the award in person, said, “WOW! I’m honored, and a bit taken aback—I’ve still got a lot more editing to do (I hope). Thank you.”
Al Feldstein is one of the most influential figures in the history of horror comics and graphic novels. Al arrived at the legendary company EC Comics in 1948, and went on to serve as one of the chief editors of EC’s “New Trend” series, which included Tales from the Crypt, The Haunt of Fear, The Vault of Horror, Shock SuspenStories, Weird Science, Weird Fantasy, Crime SuspenStories, Panic, and Piracy. Feldstein originally contributed one story per issue as both writer and illustrator, but he eventually decided to focus on editing, providing art only for covers. He adapted stories by Ray Bradbury, and gave Harlan Ellison his first sale. His EC work has been reprinted in dozens of different editions, and has been adapted to film (The Vault of Horror, Tales from the Crypt). He is a recipient of the 1994 Inkpot Award from the San Diego ComicCon, and has also been recognized for his work as a painter. While Mr. Feldstein’s health will prevent him from accepting the award in person, he had this to say: “I am flattered beyond belief and deeply appreciative of the very special honor that you have bestowed upon me … mainly your organization’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. I cannot tell you how grateful I am to be named the recipient of this award.”
To learn more about this year’s winners, visit them online at www.datlow.com and www.alfeldstein.com.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is the most prestigious of the Bram Stoker Awards, given by the HWA in acknowledgment of superior achievement not just in a single work but over an entire career. Past Lifetime Achievement Award winners include such noted authors as Stephen King, Anne Rice, Joyce Carol Oates, Ray Bradbury, F. Paul Wilson, Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, Brian Lumley, William F. Nolan, and Peter Straub. Winners must have exhibited a profound, positive impact on the fields of horror and dark fantasy and be at least sixty years of age or have been published for a minimum of thirty-five years.
The LAAs will be presented on June 18 as part of the Bram Stoker Awards presentation in Long Island. The awards highlight an entire Stoker Awards Weekend* happening from June 16–19 at the Long Island Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. For more information on the Stoker Awards Weekend, please visit the website at http://www.stokerweekend2011.org/
Oakroom’s Australian Food Festival
Oakwood Premier’s in-house restaurant Oakroom celebrates A Taste of Australia with a month long food and wine festival that plays on the continent’s cuisine.
Starters include the Tasmanian Smoked Salmon, Rocket and Mozzarella on Scone (here served with D’Arenberg Stump Jump Reisling, Marsanne, Sauvignon Blanc), a medley of texture and flavor, the soft salty fish tempered by the pastry, the cheese used as a transition piece between the two.
Tasmanian Smoked Salmon, Rocket and Mozzarella on Scone
There is also the Baby Endive Salad topped with Baked Scallops served with ginger and shallot butter (here paired with Grant Burge Benchmark Chardonnay), which I really, really liked. The endive is crisp, the scallop meaty, the dressing adding a warmth to the salad that makes it seem light a really light main dish.
Baby Endive Salad topped with Baked Scallops
Next came the Silk Pumpkin Soup with Blue Mussel, which is a lovely pumpkin soup with mussel at the bottom, the shellfish cutting through the denseness that pumpkin soup normally affords.
Silk Pumpkin Soup with Blue Mussel
Some Green Mango Sherbet to cleanse the palate.
Green Mango Sherbet
The highlight of the meal–Grilled Tajima Striploin Wagyu MB7+ 500 days served with pesto mash, forest mushroom and onion rings and Shiraz jus on the side paired with St. Hallett Faith Shiraz & St. Hallett Blackwell Shiraz. It. Is. So. Good. The steak was soft and juicy, the vegetables, flavorful. I wanted to crawl under the table with it and rock it to sleep.
Grilled Tajima Striploin Wagyu
For dessert, there was the Triple Cream Brie, Old Telegraph Blue and Edith Goat Cheese served with crackers and fruits and paired with D’Arenberg Stump Jump Grenache, Shiraz, Mouvedre. I did not know which one I liked the most, so even though I was terribly full, I still ended up eating everything. But the meal didn’t end here. There was still second dessert…
Triple Cream Brie, Old Telegraph Blue and Edith Goat Cheese
Chocolate Lava Cake with Gum Leaf-scented Butterscotch Cream and Strawberries–rich, moist and extremely decadent, the fruit providing contrast to the dense cake. I somehow managed to finish this as well.
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- Chocolate Lava Cake with Gum Leaf-scented Butterscotch Cream and Strawberries
One of the things I love about Oakroom is that it is both casual and luxurious, and is located in Ortigas. the food is awesome, the service is great, and it was conceptualized as a place where Oakwood guests could hang out if they wished. I don’t go here enough.
Oakroom Oakwood Premier Joy~Nostalg Center Manila 17 ADB Avenue Ortigas Center Pasig, Metro Manila +63-2 637 7888, 910 8888
2010 Bram Stoker Award Nominees
Each year, the Horror Writers Association presents the Bram Stoker Awards for Superior Achievement in the field of horror writing, named in honor of Bram Stoker, author of the seminal horror work /Dracula./ Since 1987, the approximately 500 members of the HWA have recommended, nominated and voted on the greatest works of horror and dark fantasy of the previous calendar year, making the Stokers the most prestigious award in the field of horror literature.
Currently the awards are presented in eight categories: Novel, First Novel, Long Fiction, Short Fiction, Fiction Collection, Anthology, Non-fiction, and Poetry Collection The organization’s Active members will select the winners from this ballot, and the awards will be presented this year at a gala banquet as part of HWA’s Stoker Weekend, held June 16-19, 2011 in Long Island.
This year’s nominees in each category are:
SUPERIOR ACHIEVEMENT IN A NOVEL
HORNS by Joe Hill (William Morrow)
ROT AND RUIN by Jonathan Maberry (Simon & Schuster)
DEAD LOVE by Linda Watanabe McFerrin (Stone Bridge Press)
APOCALYPSE OF THE DEAD by Joe McKinney (Pinnacle)
DWELLER by Jeff Strand (Leisure/Dark Regions Press)
A DARK MATTER by Peter Straub (Doubleday)
SUPERIOR ACHIEVEMENT IN A FIRST NOVEL
BLACK AND ORANGE by Benjamin Kane Ethridge (Bad Moon Books)
A BOOK OF TONGUES by Gemma Files (Chizine Publications)
THE CASTLE OF LOS ANGELES by Lisa Morton (Gray Friar Press)
SPELLBENT by Lucy Snyder (Del Rey)
SUPERIOR ACHIEVEMENT IN LONG FICTION*
THE PAINTED DARKNESS by Brian James Freeman (Cemetery Dance)
DISSOLUTION by Lisa Mannetti (/Deathwatch/)
MONSTERS AMONG US by Kirstyn McDermott (Macabre: A Journey through Australia’s Darkest Fears/)
THE SAMHANACH by Lisa Morton (Bad Moon Books)
INVISIBLE FENCES by Norman Prentiss (Cemetery Dance)
SUPERIOR ACHIEVEMENT IN SHORT FICTION
RETURN TO MARIABRONN by Gary Braunbeck (/Haunted Legends/)
THE FOLDING MAN by Joe R Lansdale (/Haunted Legends/)
1925: A FALL RIVER HALLOWEEN by Lisa Mannetti (/Shroud Magazine/ #10)
IN THE MIDDLE OF POPLAR STREET by Nate Southard (/Dead Set: A Zombie Anthology/)
FINAL DRAFT by Mark W. Worthen (/Horror Library IV/)
SUPERIOR ACHIEVEMENT IN FICTION COLLECTION
OCCULTATION by Laird Barron (Night Shade Books)
BLOOD AND GRISTLE by Michael Louis Calvillo (Bad Moon Books)
THE ONES THAT GOT AWAY by Stephen Graham Jones (Prime Books)
FULL DARK, NO STARS by Stephen King (Simon and Schuster)
A HOST OF SHADOWS by Harry Shannon (Dark Regions Press)
SUPERIOR ACHIEVEMENT IN ANTHOLOGY (EDITING)
DARK FAITH edited by Maurice Broaddus and Jerry Gordon (Apex Publications)
HORROR LIBRARY IV edited by R.J. Cavender and Boyd E. Harris (Cutting Block Press)
MACABRE: A JOURNEY THROUGH AUSTRALIA’S DARKEST FEARS* edited by Angela Challis and Marty Young (Brimstone Press)
HAUNTED LEGENDS edited by Ellen Datlow and Nick Mamatas (Tor)
THE NEW DEAD edited by Christopher Golden (St. Martin’s Griffin)
SUPERIOR ACHIEVEMENT IN NONFICTION
TO EACH THEIR DARKNESS by Gary A. Braunbeck (Apex Publications)
THE CONSPIRACY AGAINST THE HUMAN RACE by Thomas Ligotti (Hippocampus Press)
WANTED UNDEAD OR ALIVE by Jonathan Maberry and Janice Gable Bashman (Citadel)
LISTEN TO THE ECHOES: THE RAY BRADBURY INTERVIEWS by Sam Weller (Melville House Publications)
SUPERIOR ACHIEVEMENT IN POETRY COLLECTION
DARK MATTERS by Bruce Boston (Bad Moon Books)
WILD HUNT OF THE STARS by Ann K. Schwader (Sam’s Dot)
DIARY OF A GENTLEMAN DIABOLIST by Robin Spriggs (Anomalous Books)
VICIOUS ROMANTIC by Wrath James White (Needfire Poetry)
Manila Hotel’s Cafe Ylang Ylang
Manila Hotel recently revamped Cafe Ylang Ylang, its buffet restaurant.
I have fond memories of the place. We used to come here a lot when we were younger, and I distinctly remember my parents bringing us here after a concert just so I, my siser and my cousin could stalk members of a specific boy band after a concert.
The new Cafe Ylang Ylang is nothing like the restaurant of my childhood. Actually, the whole Manila Hotel looks nothing like the Manila Hotel of my childhood, which is a good thing, because it is a new century, after all.
Inside part of Manila Hotel's newly renovated Cafe Ylang Ylang.
The new Cafe Ylang Ylang is sleek and modern, with differently-styled dining nooks that complement the different cuisines available.
Cafe Ylang Ylang's Chinese-inspired corner.
More space is given to the buffet, each area presented with suitable flair and drama. I wasn’t able to try everything (to do so would have been physically impossible) but here’s a rundown of the stuff I did try, all of them quite tasty.
Here, for example, is the appetizer area:
A choice of light dishes to whet the appetite.
I rather liked this refreshing shrimp salad.
A fresh shrimp salad.
A lot of time was spent hovering about the Middle Eastern area. A lot of food was eaten, but alas, not a lot of pictures taken, save for some hummus:
Hummus!
The restaurant has different areas that serve usuals like Chinese, Japanese and Italian food, but it has stations not preset in most buffets as well, such as a Brazilian station (one of my favorites) and a “spa” station that offers healthier-than-usual fare:
Flavorful dishes that are kind to the waistline.
The real reason I didn’t eat so much main courses is because I knew that I would be going to town on dessert. Cafe Ylang Ylang has quite a selection:
Desserts up the wazoo!
Here they are in close up:
Random collection of sweet things.
And here:
Even more things to end the meal sweetly with.
Cafe Ylang Ylang delivers a good buffet. One that offers a selection of yummy food amidst stylish, not to mention historical, surroundings.
Cafe Ylang Ylang Manila Hotel One Rizal Park, The Manila Hotel Roxas Boulevard Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines +63-2 527-0011
L’Incontro
Makati mainstay L’Incontro recently opened its doors again, this time under new management. Set in the quiet neighborhood of Reposo, the restaurant still specializes in traditional Italian dishes, as well as their own updated versions of choice specials.
Antipasto was Pumpkin Soup with Caramelized Onion, the soup thick and sweet, the onions adding texture.
Pumpkin Soup with Caramelized Onion
Primo, or first course, was the best selling Crespella da Funghi–crepe with smoked ham, mozzarella, black truffle, mushroom served with cream sauce. The dish was crisp and fragrant, the truffle subtle but overwhelming. If there is anything at all you learn from this post, let it be YOU MUST TRY THIS DISH.
Crespella da Funghi
Secondi, or second course, was the Veal Chop. It came with a spinach mash, which I absolutely loved (but then, I am a big fan of spinach). The veal was soft, perfectly cooked, with salty bits that add crunch and a burst of flavor.
Veal Chop with Spinach Mash
Dessert was Formaggio and different cakes, which is fancy speak for “random fruits and cheeses. A lot of the cheeses are locally made.
Cheese and Sweet Things
We also had an assemble your own Affogato, which was a fun way to play with your food before eating it.
Assemble your own affogato!
Located in Reposo, L’Incontro is one of those restaurants that you have to really want to eat in, because it’s kind of out of the way. It is, however, worth the effort, as its loyal clientele know (and hope to keep to themselves).
L'Incontro 207 Nicanor Garcia St. Makati City, Metro Manila Philippines +63-2 8990638 and 39
Cru Steakhouse
I have only had the opportunity to be in Cru, the Marriott’s steak house, for a short time — enough to eat and run. The experience, though brief, did not disappoint.
Cru Signature Super Prime 'Wisconsin' US Beef
I had the Cru Signature Super Prime ‘Wisconsin’ US Beef, which “is aged for 21 days, well-marbled, full of flavor and butter tender.” The super prime strip loin weighs 250g, costs Php2200, and tastes beautiful. It does have a butter like quality, the beef tasting (as opposed to feeling) like it is melting in your mouth.
Potato Gratin
The steak is lovely paired with the Potato gratin Php150, which is good as far as well-made gratins go, the potatoes creamy and melty, the starch egging you to eat more beef, the beef egging you to eat more potato. The whole thing a lovely cycle from which you emerge with a full belly and a warm heart.
Cru Steakhouse
Marriott Manila
10 Newport Boulevard
Brasserie Boheme
Located under the ultra posh Picasso service residences is Brasseire Boheme. Managed by Cebu’s Gustavian, it has become one of the go-to places for fine food in the Salcedo area.
I tagged along with a friend, and we got to try items which should be on the menu by now, as well as some of their lighter dishes.
Salmon Bouillabaisse
We started off with the Salmon Bouillabaisse, which was refreshing, sort of like warm gazpacho.
Reuben Sandwich
This was followed by a Reuben Sandwich (Php290), which I absolutely loved, the layers of corned beef, sauerkraut and swiss cheese exploding in wonderful flavor. Or perhaps it is because I really like beef. Either way, the stuff they put in that sandwich was excellent, and I have recommended it to everyone I’ve eaten at Brasserie with, with everyone approving of the choice.
Assorted Pastries
We also had a plate of their pastries, all of them Php130, all of them just okay. The Lemon Square was dense and tart, the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cake endowed with a marshmallow texture, sort of like Chocnut and peanut mixed together. The Carrot Cake was spicy, with just the right amount of denseness and the cream cheese icing breaking through.
Though I’m only writing about the snacks I’ve had, I’ve tried some of the main meals, which were good. I’ve recommended the restaurant to people looking for a nice, quiet date place in the Makati area, and judging from how my friend continues to ask me for more suggestions, his date was a success.
Brasserie Boheme
The Picasso
LP Leviste St.
Salcedo Village, Makati
horror author, third world minimalist, writer at large
