Seafood Feast in Paluto Restaurant by Chef Boy Logro

For a couple of weeks now, I have been raving about Paluto Restaurant by Chef Boy Logro on social media. Ed and I were so impressed that it became our lunch venue for two consecutive weekends! I constantly shared and raved about our dining experiences to the point that some people thought I was paid to promote it! Hahah! 

But I bet people who really know me understands the situation. I love seafood so much that I go craaaazy every time there is a new and unique seafood restaurant in Dubai!

Just in case you haven't heard about Paluto - Dubai's newest foodie hotspot, let me introduce it to you!    

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Friday Brunch at Bamboo Lagoon

Over the weekend, I was at JW Marriott Hotel Dubai for brunch. But it wasn't just the usual Friday brunch. It was an Instameet, a photography workshop, a feast and a gathering of some of the most brilliant minds in social media all rolled into one!

The event was hosted by Illustrado (a lifestyle magazine dedicated to the thriving Filipino expat community in the Middle East) and Nikon Middle East and Africa. Ed and I are Nikon users ever since we took blogging seriously and I'm an avid Illustrado reader; hence I was so thrilled to be there!

At the workshop, we were introduced to Nikon D3400; a new entry level DSLR equipped with Snapbridge. The latter is a handy feature that automatically transfers photos from camera to smartphone; perfect for Bloggers and Instagrammers who like to share photos in instant while on the go.

And when brunch time came, we were ushered to JW Marriott Hotel Dubai's Bamboo Lagoon! 

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Little Manila in Dubai

Little Manila captured everyone's attention when it opened in Deira last year. I was also drawn to it, but I somehow lost my interest when I saw photos of the queue outside the restaurant during its first opening week. I waited for the hype to die down, but came a downpour of negative reviews. So, I waited again. 

Now, it has been a year since Little Manila opened its doors. Most of my friends have already been there, and lately, the feedback has been good. So, a few weeks ago, I finally found myself walking in the lively Muraqqabat Road, searching for Little Manila, hoping not to be disappointed.    

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Street Style Dining at Bodega Streetfood

Filipino restaurants with unique concepts never fail to make me happy and proud. I was super excited when I heard that the team behind Dampa is setting up a new Filipino restaurant, Bodega, which is focused on street food! 

It opened last year and I immediately gave it a try. Bodega was still on dry run that time that's why I decided not to blog about it yet. The menu already had the exotic Pinoy grilled items like chicken feet and ass, but it wasn't really focused on Filipino food. They were serving street food from around the world (Pho from Vietnam, Tacos from Mexico, Satay from Indonesia) which I actually liked. The concept did not create a major buzz though. 

During my third visit, I was surprised to know that Bodega is temporarily closed. The staff said Dampa has to use Bodega's kitchen for some reason. I never had the chance to check it out again until I heard that Bodega Streetfood was relaunched. And it turned out to be better than ever!

     

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Yakitate Japanese Boutique Bakery and Cafe

I can't remember how many times we trooped to Al Ghurair Centre just for Yakitate. I have fallen in love with this Japanese Boutique Bakery and Cafe ever since it popped up in Dubai's dining scene last winter. I have already been there for breakfast, for catch-up sesh over dinner with friends, and countless date nights with Ed!

Although Yakitate is not the first Japanese Bakery to open in Dubai, it easily captured my attention because of several reasons. 

1. Because of its convenient location. It is tucked in the district where we live.

2. Because of the ramen burger! There's nothing like it in Dubai.

3. Because it is sooo kawaii! 

  

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Minato: Sushi and Teppanyaki Buffet in Radisson Blu

Last weekend, I rediscovered Minato. 

If you have been with me since last year, you'll remember that I crazily raved about this Japanese restaurant in Radisson Blu Hotel during Eid Brunch. It was one of the grandest brunch I have ever been to as it was participated by five renowned restaurants. And out of the five, Minato turned out to be the superstar! So, I was ecstatic to finally have a weekend dedicated to Minato alone.  

Minato at Radisson Blu Hotel

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Moroccan Iftar at Medley in Pullman Dubai

The holy month of Ramadan is about to begin. I am not a Muslim; hence Ramadan used to be a month of difficulties for me especially during my first year in the UAE. I can say I kinda got the hang of it after seven long years, but deep within is a sincere appreciation of the culture. 

Now, I see Ramadan as a season of respect, generosity and togetherness. 

Togetherness is best seen during Iftar; an evening meal after the sunset. It is a special time when family and friends gather at home or in a restaurant. It is a religious observation that even non-Muslims look forward to. 

Iftar invitations started to arrive in my inbox as early as mid-May. I am honored! If only I can be in every Iftar event, I would. But since I have a full-time job, I'll be missing some. In fact, I already missed my first Iftar preview invite. Fortunately, the people behind the event were so kind to reschedule my visit. So, on the first day of June, Ed and I got a little sneak peek on the Iftar offerings at Medley restaurant this Ramadan 2015.

Medley Restaurant in Pullman Hotel

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Dampa Seafood Grill: Fresh and Unique Seafood Restaurant in Dubai

I'm seafood-crazy!

I honestly think Dubai needs more affordable seafood restaurants and, lo and behold, a new one just popped up. I bet you've all heard about Dampa Seafood Grill, the latest Filipino seafood restaurant in town. I went crazy when I heard about the unique concept that I didn't stop bugging my blogger friends until they agreed to meet and dine on a Sunday night.

What made me more excited is that Dampa is located in the heart of Deira, a few steps from Deira City Centre metro station and just a stone-throw away from our new place! Yay! 

Dampa Seafood Grill in Deira (photo taken at closing time)

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