Jul 9

Jul 9 Kushikatsu Daruma + Workshop + Ping Pong Diplomacy, Tasteless Group Does It Again

They have done it again! The Tasteless Group hits it out of the park with three new tasteful restaurants. The new menus are a party for your mouth but what I am a real sucker for is the interiors. The Tastless group does not skimp on aesthetics or flavor. International brand Kushikatsu Daruma hails from Osaka and brings the street food flavor and feel. And if it wasn't clear enough, NO DOUBLE DIPPING. :) The simplicity of the whole concept is not overstated as you have free reign on the fillings. The breading and sauce stay the same, you get to play around with the insides. Choices range from potatos, shrimp, chicken nuggets, leeks and so much more. Best when eaten fresh from the fry.

Kushikatsu Daruma 2/F Uptown Mall, Uptown Bonifacio. Contact: 946-7374. Open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 3 a.m.

Conceptualized by the culinary artists Chef Miko Aspiras and Chef Kristine Lotilla, Workshop PH is a bespoke boutique bakery. The flavors and cosmetics really are as whimsical as a modern day fairytale. Millennial Alice in Wonderland would certainly be having her tea parties here. Do not visit Workshop on a diet, this is where you come to indulge, to eat your feelings and celebrate your victories. If you asked me six months ago if I had ever tried shrimp heads or if I ever would my answer would have been a quick and squeamish no. But I tried them and I loved them. I don't think I would enjoy them in every scenario, but I loved these ones. Miko sharing his secret to an easy pour over yet decadent chocolate cake.

While choices can be hard, I always go for chocolate. Workshop uses the highest quality ingredients and each bite is so rich, a large portion isn't even needed.

Food always tastes better with good company, my sweet girl Kirstine.I have long admired pastry chef Miko for his passion, boldness, creativity and for his bravery that has aided a culinary movement in Manila. I am amazed at what he has already created but look forward with excitement for what lays ahead.

Workshop Bespoke Bakery 2/F Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, EDSA cor. Julia Vargas Ave., Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong, Metro Manila. Open: 10:00am - 9:00pm

With a bold new menu and interiors, Ping Pong Diplomacy is where you want to go when your feeling brave and your tongue wants a little excitement. Ping Pong Diplomacy marries the concept of Eastern cuisine with modern adventure.

As per usual, the interiors are fresh, hip and Instagram worthy. Their displays are as iconic as their flavors.

I cannot say enough good things about the orange chicken wontons. The concept of taking something as ordinary as orange chicken and spicing it up, turning it into a wonton, bazinga! The whole menu is so playful!

Ping Pong Diplomacy is at 3/F SM Aura Premier, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. Open 10 am - 10 pm. The Tastless Group makes every dish a work of art.