№ 496. Traveling

Restaurante Botín, a cozy eatery in Madrid, Spain, was founded in 1725 and holds the Guinness World Record for being the world's oldest restaurant.

And like most dining establishments, Restaurante Botín was forced to close its doors when the coronavirus swept across Europe.

"When we closed the restaurant during the pandemic, we felt devastated because it never closed before, even during the Spanish Civil War, my grandfather kept Botín open," Antonio González, general manager of Botín, said. 

№ 415. Bellini is a Papa-Paparrazi

With my cellphone, it's been a cinch
taking shots of food and travel.
I've long ditched my DSLR for the handy all-in-one gadget.

Maybe it’s just as well that Bellini—as well as other photographers, of any genre—have laid down their Leicas and Nikons. The current culture of Me, Me, Me and anyone who can hack an online account has taken away a significant chunk of the paparazzi’s power, and the need to spring attacks to show how celebrities look and act when stripped of glamor and polish. Anyone with a mobile phone can now act just as despicably—or honorably, as revelations can swing both ways. Anyone with just enough crazy and lack of conscience can be a harbinger of the truth, whatever truth it may be.

№ 281. Palate Wonderland

Toilet door at VASK

Two Sundays ago, we had fun dining in this feast-of-the-senses, molecular-gastronomy-inspired bar and restaurant in the quiet side of the Bonifacio Global City.

Because it was drizzling that early evening, we missed out on the al fresco night view of Makati. No matter. The snappy service made up for that missed opportunity. And both the edible and non-edible art pieces more than satisfied the senses.

Scallop and Black Ink Risotto: Squid Ink, Tinawon
Heirloom Rice, Parmesan Chips and Green Asparagus

№ 157. Cafeteria at the Edge of the Universe