What's on the Menu?: Thai Food Festival at The Pen

MANILA, Philippines - Spices restaurant transports diners down Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River as The Peninsula Manila presents the gastronomic creations of chef Chamnan Thepchana of The Peninsula Bangkok’s Thiptara Thai restaurant for its “Thai Food Festival” ongoing until Aug. 21.

As guest chef of Spices, chef Chamnan recreates his signature dishes such as gaeng phed ped yang (roasted duck red curry), goong thod kra-thiam prik Thai (fried king prawns with garlic and pepper), and tom saab kra-duong moo (spiced and sour soup with pork spare ribs. Those who want something sweet can indulge in krong-kraeng phuag (taro dumplings in coconut milk with sesame).

The Thai lunch buffet is served daily in Spices at P1,000 for adults and P600 for kids under 12 years old with an a la carte menu served during dinner.

Chamnan will also conduct an exclusive The Peninsula Academy cooking class (P3,200 per person) on Aug. 13 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. The fee covers The Peninsula Academy Cooking Class, a traditional Thai-style family lunch, apron and a special gift.

For reservations, call 887-2888 loc. 6754, e-mail diningpmn@peninsula.com or visit peninsula.com.

* * *

A cup to perk you up: Order Krispy Kreme coffee and get free treats with your Coffee Passport.

Coffee break at Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme lets you enjoy your favorite pastry treat with an extraordinary coffee experience.

Drop by any Krispy Kreme branch to pick up a cup of your favorite brew or coffee mix. Customers can choose from the signature Kaffe Kreme, rich, bold and full-flavored espresso, creamy latte, European-inspired Americano, chocolatey espresso, café mocha or a caramel latte.

A Krispy Kreme Coffee Passport will be given for your first cup of any hot or cold espresso-based drink — and every succeeding purchase gives you a stamp on it. Accumulate three and you can get a half-dozen original glazed donuts to go with your drink; six stamps entitles you to a Krispy Kreme mug; and a total of 12 stamps will get you a dozen donuts.

* * *

Sushi indulgence: Asian cuisine is the highlight of Eastwood Café’s interactive buffet this August.

Interactive buffet at Eastwood Café

Eastwood Café has taken the buffet concept to new heights as it goes interactive from August to September. Executive chef Bienvenido Chaves and his kitchen team features international cuisines prepared a la minute and cooked according to your preference.

The live cooking stations serve fresh and hot meals right before your eyes. For P880, the lunch buffet is available from Monday to Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; while the dinner buffet is from Friday to Sunday, 6 to 9 p.m. Children below five are free of charge and children ages six to 12 will get 50 percent discount.

For inquiries, call 570-7777.

* * *

Boodle fight: The Davao Gulf Boodle at Blackbeard’s Seafood Island

Blackbeard’s Seafood Island goes to Davao

Blackbeard’s Seafood Island opens its newest branch at Abreeza Mall in Davao City. Best-sellers include the Kadayawan Festival Month boodles such as Davao Gulf, Mt. Apo, and Tali Beach.

For reservations, call (082) 321-0959.

* * *

Simmering sinigang: The sinigang station at Patio Carlito

Cuchifrito, lechon baka at Patio Carlito Old Manila Bistro

Patio Carlito Old Manila Bistro introduces its Sunday Jazz Brunch Buffet. Feast on kare-kare, sinigang sa sampalok, miso, bayabas, lechon baka, and cuchifrito.

Patio Carlito Old Manila Bistro and White House Resto Bar and Live Entertainment is at 84 Scout Tuason corner E. Lopez Sr., Brgy. South Triangle, QC.

For reservations, call 352-7140.

* * *

Drink and be merry: The Drizzle Fizz and Monsoon Bliss at Pan Pacific Manila

Drizzle Fizz, Monsoon Bliss at Pan Pacific Manila

Relax and unwind at Pan Pacific Manila’s Pacific Lounge, Lobby Lounge, and My Pool with their featured Drinks of the Month.

Enjoy the fresh taste of Drizzle Fish (P635), a mix of gin, calamansi juice, soda, lemon slices, and grenadine syrup; or experience the different flavors of Monsoon Bliss (P500), a mix of watermelon, grape juice, and orange juice.

Every order comes with a Butler stuffed toy of the month.

Pan Pacific Manila is at M. Adriatico corner Gen. Malvar Streets, Malate, Manila.

For inquiries, call 536-0788.