Chef Choi Hyun Seok Brings Culinary Class Wars Flavors to Manila

Want to experience a deluxe slice of Paris right in Manila? Ladurée, the iconic French bakery famed for its delicate macarons from Paris (also Gossip Girl's Blair Waldorf's sweet treat of choice), is opening its flagship boutique right in the heart of Bonifacio Global City!

Mark your calendars for July 5, 2025, at 1 PM sharp, when Manila will welcome something truly special. Ladurée Philippines' BGC branch is set to be the grandest flagship in Southeast Asia, thanks to the efforts of Gastronova Hospitality Group. 

You may have tried their popular macarons at their shop at 8 Rockwell, which opened in 2015. Now, the BGC Ladurée store is getting a fresh revamp, modeled after the legendary Ladurée store in Champs-Élysées, bringing a touch of Parisian elegance and charm straight to Southeast Asia. 

Nestled in One Bonifacio High Street Mall, this upscale destination is set to become the go-to spot for lovers of French patisserie and signature treats.

Imagine a pastry counter filled with signature macarons in an assortment of rainbow flavors, buttery croissants, rich pains au chocolat, and handcrafted artisanal chocolates that are almost too pretty to eat (but you’ll want to anyway).

In a different zone, sip on expertly brewed lattes, refreshing frappuccino drinks, and dive into gelatos at their coffee and viennoiserie bar — perfect for cooling down during a warm afternoon.

And if you’re in the mood to truly indulge, the 37-seat salon in the same space offers a full French dining experience from breakfast up until dinner time. For the first time in Ladurée's history, there will be an executive lunch menu, tailored just for the bustling BGC business crowd. 

And don’t miss their Parisian-style high tea, served daily from 3:30 to 6 PM — a perfect way to unwind.

Reservations for the store are recommended. Bookings open on June 6, 2025, so stay tuned on Ladurée Philippines' website, Instagram, and Facebook. 

Location: Ladurée, One Bonifacio High Street Mall, 5th Avenue corner, 28th Street, BGC 

After six years of delighting Bonifacio Global City’s food lovers, beloved Spanish restaurant La Picara is closing its doors — but not without a farewell celebration.

Not one to shy away from a party, La Picara has been a go-to spot since opening in 2019, charming diners with a unique blend of authentic Spanish flavors infused with stylish Asian influences. 

Founded by Isabel Calvo and Felipe Antonio Díaz de Miranda Fernández de Molina amid the pandemic, the restaurant quickly gained popularity for its creative tapas, such as the addictive Kimchi Croquettes and crispy Patatas Bravas, and its flavorful paellas, including the Chili Crab Paella and Truffle and Mushroom Paella.

La Picara announced it will serve its last plate on June 18, 2025. Until then, guests can indulge in all their favorites one final time. And what better way to toast the occasion than with a refreshing glass of sangria or one of their signature cocktails?

In a heartfelt message shared on social media, the team at La Picara expressed deep gratitude: “To our cherished guests, after many unforgettable meals, warm conversations, and shared memories, we’ve decided to change direction. Exciting things are underway, but for now, we want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being part of our journey.”

Though La Picara’s chapter in BGC is closing, fans are invited to stay tuned for what’s next, promising new ventures on the horizon. 

For more information, visit La Picara on their Instagram and Facebook. Book your table here.

Location: La Picara, 2/F One Bonifacio High Street Mall, 5th Avenue corner 28th Street, BGC, Taguig

Opening Hours: Mondays to Fridays from 3 PM until 11 PM, Saturdays to Sundays from noon until 11 PM

Filipino culinary content creator, Abi Marquez, also known as the Internet’s resident “Lumpia Queen,” bags the Best Food Influencer award at the 2025 World Influencers and Bloggers Awards (WIBA) in Cannes, France.

The social media star is known for her viral TikTok videos, showcasing innovative and mouthwatering recipes that make Filipino food more accessible and appreciated around the world. 

On May 23, Abi attended the WIBA awards ceremony, which took place at the Hotel Martine in Cannes, coinciding with the film festival. She wore a custom Jo Rubio gown, styled and conceptualized by Pam Ricarte, inspired by the iconic Filipino spaghetti. 

Deemed as the Oscars for Influencers, WIBA has been recognizing the most influential personalities in the social media world since 2019. It's an annual award highlighting the most important social causes, empowering influencers’ voices, and encouraging global conversations and friendships. 

The Filipino content creator shared an emotional post on social media post-ceremony, expressing her disbelief at the incredible honor and her appreciation for her family, her team at NYMA, and her fans’ support. 

“Still CRAZY to me that I’m in Europe for the first time and recognized for what my team and I have built with love, to be surrounded by creators from around the world AND to represent Filipino food on another global platform. To everyone who watched and shared our content, MARAMING SALAMAT PO. You helped Filipino Food be seen across the globe.”

Her caption ended with a Filipino flag emoji, showing that it’s more than just a personal achievement, but one shared with the Filipino community as she brings local flavors to the world stage. 

Abi gained popularity for her “Lumpia Wrapper” series, where she basically creates spring rolls out of iconic Filipino and international dishes. She recently collaborated with Chef Gordon Ramsay during his visit to his restaurant in Newport City, where she gave him a taste of his popular Beef Wellington recipe in lumpia form. 

Abi has also collected several accolades in recent years, including three awards at the 46th Telly Awards and the Webby People’s Voice Award in 2024, which she has once again been nominated for in the Creators - Food & Drink category this year.  

For more delish updates and recipes, follow Abi Marquez on Facebook, TikTok, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram.

Disney’s mischievous little blue alien, Experiment 626, is taking over in our hearts and now our taste buds too, thanks to Krispy Kreme Philippines' latest donut drop!

With the buzz around the new live-action Lilo & Stitch movie, the beloved characters from the film have spilled into the world of sweet treats, and we are here for it.

Starting May 16, 2025, a limited-edition Stitch-themed donut collection is landing in the Philippines, and it’s bold, colorful, and downright irresistible! 

Priced at P480 for an assorted half-dozen (fixed selection), these donuts are a must-try for fans of the beloved troublemaker. You can grab them in-store, via drive-through, take-out, or delivery on their website, but be warned, you won’t be able to escape their adorable charm.

Each box is a mini-Hawaiian paradise with adorable packaging. Open it up and you’ll find decorated Insta-worthy donuts designed to look as "cute and fluffy" as Stitch himself. 

The colorful collection includes different Stitch Donuts, blue-frosted delights that are as cheeky as the little guy, a Lilo Ohana Donut (a tribute to everyone’s favorite big-hearted Hawaiian girl), and a Pineapple Kreme Donut, a tropical explosion in the shape of a cartoon pineapple, filled with luscious pineapple cream.

This sugary Stitch takeover is exclusive only to the Philippines, making it a must-grab before they’re gone!

To order the donuts online, visit their website. Find Krispy Kreme on Instagram and Facebook for more updates. 

The Manila Hotel will soon be offering a selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes across its dining outlets and banquet offerings. 

The Grand Dame of Manila continues to embrace dining trends that nourish both body and soul with this culinary shift that aims to provide various health benefits from supporting cardiovascular health and minimizing environmental impact to embracing holistic well-being. The new offerings address the growing global and local demand for healthier and more sustainable food options, while also honoring Filipino agriculture through the use of locally-sourced ingredients.

“At The Manila Hotel, we recognize the growing importance of conscious dining,” shares Konrad Walter, Executive Chef of The Manila Hotel. “Our enhanced vegan and vegetarian offerings are a reflection of our commitment to wellness, sustainability, and evolving with the modern palate, without compromising the richness, tradition, and flavor that define Filipino cuisine.”

The hotel partnered with Riza Shanti Lim, an internationally certified holistic health practitioner, clinical nutritionist, and plant-based culinary advocate, to bring these dishes to life, using her expertise to conceptualize and develop each dish. The menu features a selection of fine dining options from refreshing appetizers and filling main dishes to sweet desserts.

The Manila Hotel hosted an exclusive press dinner at the Champagne Salon last May 7, which highlighted a multi-course preview of the vegetarian fine dining menu, executed by Chef Riza Shanti Lim, supervised by Executive Chef Konrad Walter, and assisted by the hotel’s culinary team. 

Some of the dishes that you can look forward to include the Fresh Garden Spring Roll in Peanut Cream Sauce, Papaine Moringga with Crisps Soup, Fern Salad with Paneer, Vegan Skewers, 8 Spice Curry, and the Creamed Buko Pandan Plantain with Chia Seeds.

These vegan and vegetarian dishes will soon be available for private banquets, special events, a dedicated station at the buffet in Café Ilang-Ilang, and a la carte dining at the hotel’s restaurants, such as Champagne Room, Red Jade, and Lobby Lounge. It will also be available through in-room dining and M Takeout.

For updates, visit their official website or follow The Manila Hotel on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram.

Filipino foodies, if you're craving something truly magnifique, get ready for a feast that will transport you straight to the streets of Paris!

The much-awaited street festival Goût de France, aka Good France, is coming to Paseo de Roxas this May 24 to 25, 2025, and trust us, you won't want to miss it.

This grand celebration of French gastronomy, organized by the Embassy of France in collaboration with Ayala Land, Inc and Make It Makati, promises the traditional flavors of French classics as well as innovative, sustainable creations.

Goût de France is a nod to both the rich heritage and the exciting future of French cuisine. Whether you're a fan of flaky croissants, mouthwatering escargots, or delicate patisseries, there's something for everyone to enjoy! Expect a vibrant atmosphere where French culinary traditions meet the local spirit of bayanihan.

Talented chefs will prepare a selection of delicious dishes from France, showcasing their skills in the heart of Makati. It's the perfect chance to indulge in fine food while taking in the lively vibe of Paseo de Roxas.

Entrance is free, so bring your friends, family, and fellow food enthusiasts to this delightful celebration of flavors. Whether you're a long-time lover of French food or just curious to try something new, Goût de France is the place to be. You might even discover your next favorite dish!

For more information, visit the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia on their website, Instagram, and Facebook. 

Location: Paseo de Roxas, Makati, Philippines

Dates: May 24, 2025 from 4 PM to 12 AM | May 25, 2025 from 8 AM to 10 PM

Admission Fee: Free