Travel: Dinner at Shin Yeh Taiwanese Signature, 1 Michelin Star Resto in Taiwan

We flew to Taipei during the Holy Week. Before flying, I checked out Michelin's website to find out affordable Michelin starred restaurants in Taipei. Came across Shin Yeh Taiwanese Signature located in Marriott Midtown - a one Michelin star restaurant. But since we were not staying near Marriott Midtown, I looked for their branches near our hotel. Luckily, there was one branch within walking distance from our hotel!

We went to the restaurant without reservations. Fortunately, there was a table available but we have to finish within an hour. We said, no problem. We eat fast haha!

The food came super fast. I think it was fastest service I've ever had. No joke. Anyway, here's what we ordered (for us 3 hungry tourists):

Shrimp in Tomato Sauce

Stir fried Beef Tenderloin with Kale

Pan fried Oyster Omelet 

Braised Pork Belly

Stir fried Spinach

We were done before our time was up. We are really fast eaters haha!

The food was really good and like I mentioned above, service was really fast. Not all the waiters speak English but that was not a problem. All you have to do is point to the menu the food you want to order. 

They served us a dessert (fruits) even if we did not order it. So that was a plus. 

If you are visiting Taipei, try this restaurant. They have several branches across the city, so find one convenient to you. Or better yet, go to Marriott Midtown.  

 

Lunch Buffet at Cucina, Marco Polo

I constantly check my credit cards' promos. Lately, it's BPI that has 50% discounts off buffets in Metro Manila. One is in New World Hotel Makati and the other one is in Marco Polo Ortigas.

Since we've never tried the buffet in Marco Polo, we've decided to have the Sunday brunch here. Reminder to make advance reservation especially if you're using your credit card for the promo.

Lechon!! Some parts of the skin were still crunchy. The meat was tender which we all love!

The seafood station. There's the usual Salmon and Tuna Sashimi. There were Blue Crabs, Mussels, Elephant Shells and Prawns.

The dessert station was okay. We love the Leche Flan, just the right sweetness to it.

Their buffet spread wasn't as elaborate as other hotels but surprisingly we stayed for quite a bit. I enjoyed the lechon. The chicken feet and the pork ribs in the dimsum station were really good. I had coffee with the cheesecake and leche flan and it was perfect. And the place wasn't crowded so we had a pleasant and leisurely buffet lunch.

We might come back here before the 50% promo disappears. Promo period is until March 27, 2023.

Cucina, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila
Buffet Rate: P2,450 (P1,225 after 50% discount using BPI Visa Signature Card)
Lunch: 12:00nn-02:30pm

Telephone: 02 7720 7777

 

New Year’s Lunch Buffet at Yawaragi, Hotel Okura

Anything Japanese is a sure hit with my family. So for New Year's Lunch we decided to try the Kisetsu Buffet at Yawaragi in Hotel Okura Manila. This hotel is alongside Hilton and Sheraton. 

The entrance to Yawaragi is thru the reception/lobby area of the hotel located at the 5th floor

At the center is the wood sculpture to promote long life and good fortune

If you're like me, I always start with a salad. I read it prevents a big glucose spike if you eat  salad first.

Without fail, after salad I go to the sashimi and sushi area. 

Then I had teppanyaki. The pork and salmon were good. 

I almost always skip the crabs when I'm eating out. It's messy and it take time to eat it.

I was expecting a lobster but it wasn't offered during this buffet lunch.

The beef curry is worth mentioning. It was melt in your mouth tender. And the curry sauce was just perfect.

My son had carbonara and said it was okay.

The mochi were all yummy!!!

For this New Year's Lunch, it was P4,200 net per person. Included drinks were mocktail, coffee and tea.

I just checked their website now and here is their buffet schedule and price:

Friday to Sunday Dinner (6pm-10pm) - P2,950 net per person 

Saturday to Sunday Lunch (12nn-3pm) - P2,950 net per person

Kisetsu Buffet at Yawaragi

5th floor, Hotel Okura Manila

2 Portwood Street, Newport City, Pasay

+63 2 53182888

Kurīmo Ice Cream

Have you tried this heavenly ice cream? Passed by their storel in Megamall and got curious with the name. Is it Japanese? I tried the Miso Mascarpone and it was so yummy! The cone is also so so good, not your usual sweet sugary cone.

Miso Mascarpone with Passion Fruit and Almond Praline P180

Kinako Vanilla and Shoyu Caramel (2 scoops) P280

Hubby said it was creamy and the caramel was not too sweet which was perfect. I tried googling Kurimo but I couldn't find more info. Is this a Japanese brand or a local one? This is now our favourite ice cream ever!

We went to Megamall again after a week and I ordered the Miso Mascarpone again. Hubby had Yuzu Toasted Rice and son had Nama Chocolate. I tried the Nama Chocolate and I think I will have it next time.

I checked their FB page and found out they have stores in the following malls: 

- Mitsukoshu BGC

- Uptown Mall

- SM Megamall 

- SM Mall of Asia

- Robinsons Magnolia

Lunch at Tiong Bahru Hainanese Chicken Rice

I love Metro Manila after the Christmas and before New Year. Roads and malls are not congested. You get to eat leisurely in restaurants. And those restaurants that are always full during the regular days? Well, after Christmas, you get to choose your seats.

Two days before New Year's Day, we went to Estancia to have lunch and some last minute shopping. We decided to go to Tiong Bahru as this is always full during the regular days.

So we ordered: Chicken feet skin, Kailan, 3 Roasted Chicken Rice, Kikiam and Lemon Chicken. Total bill was P1,900. Serving was on the smaller side. But food is good.

I love the Lemon Chicken and the Roasted Chicken Rice. Maybe we should order the whole chicken next time :)

Tiong Bahru Boneless Hainanese Chicken Rice

LG floor East Wing, Estancia Mall

Pasig City