Find out where these food lovers last ate and which restaurants they cannot wait to get back to, post-quarantine and pandemic!

It is day 17 or day 18 for most.  We have not left our homes to visit our usual haunts that typically bring us comfort. No coffee at the local neighbourhood cafe, no more brunch at your favourite bistro, no date-night at your go-to restaurant and no nightcap at that bar you love. 

I personally have begun to miss simple things like saying hi to the baristas at the Starbucks near Tatler’s office, being able to eat out at my favourite restaurants, or listening to music at bars and enjoying a night out with quality friends. 

Food and specific locations have the unique ability to trigger memories and emotions. Now that the cravings for normalcy begin to creep into our systems, our minds have started to wonder, thinking about what we used to do and where we want to be. We thought, why not ask a few friends about the restaurants they are craving for and where they at last. Read on to find out what food has been on their minds!

Cheryl Tiu

She is an international lifestyle journalist, the woman behind Cross Cultures food event platform, a Tastehunter for World’s 50 Best Restaurants and Bars lists. She has successfully carved a reputable name for herself as an authority on food. 

What is the last restaurant you ate at? 

The last restaurant I ate at was Balloo by 2020 James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef: South Timon Balloo— a gem of a restaurant in Miami, Florida, USA. It’s a 31-seater that features an incredible confluence of cultures from Timon’s heritage: Chinese-Trinidadian-Indian, and his wife Marissa’s: Thai-Colombian.

Chili garlic shrimp noodles, sticky fish sauce caramel wings, curry calabasa served with roti, Trini spiced oxtail were some of the delicious dishes I enjoyed, prepared with so much heart and soul.

What is the first restaurant are you going to eat at when this is all over and why? 

I just finished watching “Crash Landing On You” (all 16 episodes in 2 days!) and apart from now having the CLOY fever, I’m also obsessed with all things Korean. I’ve never been to Korea so as soon as this is all over, I’d love to fly to Seoul and have some mandu at Myeongdong Kyoja and Gaeseong Mandu Koong; galbi at Byeokje Galbi; street food at Gwangjang Market; and of course, experience modern Korean cuisine at Jungsik, Mingles and TocToc.

Marc Nelson

This professional host, entertainment personality, fitness enthusiast, WWF and World Vision Ambassador and entrepreneur is also a big foodie. Yes, Marc loves to eat – don’t let his looks fool you!

What is the last restaurant you ate at? 

The last restaurant I ate at was Cosmic vegan restaurant in Poblacion, partly bec I had vegan guests staying with me but also because their food is incredible. I had the vegan lasagna and vegan bagnet, both of which are out of this world! 

What is the first restaurant are you going to eat at when this is all over and why? 

The first restaurant I’m eating at will be Holy Smokes BBQ. I try to only eat beef when I know it’s going to be absolutely exceptional, and I’m addicted to their smoked brisket empanadas and rib eye steak.

Nicole Ortega

Nicole is a wife and mother who has created her own line of food called Silver Platter served by Nicole Ortega where you can order delicious bottled spreads and fully cooked meals which she makes out of her own home. She is also the woman behind Ca Va Creperie & Floral Atelier and also runs her own blog, nicoleortea.ph!

What is the last restaurant you ate at? 

What is the last restaurant you ate at and do you remember what you had? I had a quiet dinner at M Dining with my kids, the last Sunday before lockdown. We had the white bolognese, Fred's burger, shepherd's pie and chorizo puffs. 

What is the first restaurant are you going to eat at when this is all over and why? 

For me, Mendokoro Ramen because we've been craving it badly while here in La Union right now. We began to crave it since we saw that they're delivering during these times. Ramen is a family favourite! Their gyozas are hands down the best in Manila! 

Tim Yap

This media personality, professional host, and PR and events maven loves to eat out with friends and organise gatherings for those near and dear to him. Find out what he has been craving lately: 

What is the last restaurant you ate at? 

I had tapas over lunch at La Picara. I think we had croquetas, burrata, some steak and paella negra, among many others. 

What is the first restaurant are you going to eat at when this is all over and why?

After this is all done I am dreaming of eating at Amanpulo's new Beach Club! I miss the beach and want to have good food by the water to soak in nature and all of the lessons this quarantine has taught us.

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Georgia Schulze-Del Rosario

This wife and mother to four gorgeous daughters has had a long career in publishing. She herself is a blogger, wedding planner and a phenomenal baker (check out Butter’s instagram for proof!) Check out where she wants to eat next, below: 

What is the last restaurant you ate at?

Right before the lockdown my husband and I decided to run a few last minute errands and stock up on groceries. We also took the opportunity to go out on one “last” lunch date. We luckily were able to try Sunae Asian Cantina in BGC, which wasn’t even officially opened, but welcomed us anyway. We had the roti, seafood curry, and beef short ribs - all of which were tasty and satisfying!

What is the first restaurant are you going to eat at when this is all over and why?

Though the lockdown has let us eat delicious and healthy homemade meals, as soon as it’s over I am going to take a nice leisurely drive to Tagaytay and head to Antonio’s. From the gorgeous outdoors to the exceptional food and service, it’s one of our go to’s for special occasions. Oh and did I mention they have the absolute best homemade ice cream? I can’t wait!

Marco Rodriguez

This food lover and home-chef has a true passion for the culinary world. The man behind Xancho shares his thoughts, below: 

What is the last restaurant you ate at? 

I spent my birthday at El Cirkulo—nothing like some comfort food during these uncertain times! This back on March 12 right when the big announcement was being made on television. We had favourites such as chorizo frito, gambas al ajillo, calamares, cabeza de cerdo (sisig) for our tapas. We then had Insalata di gorgonzola before proceeding to our mains which were slow roasted beef belly & fileto di pesce con caperi e limone to go with the paella montaña & fideos rossejat. This was all washed down with pitchers of red sangria! We closed the meal out with their birthday baked Alaska & some halo-halo! 


What is the first restaurant are you going to eat at when this is all over and why?

My wife Rosanna threw me a surprise party at Agimat before the lockdown. We tried Agimat’s elevated riffs on dishes such as Pogita at Malasugi (octopus & blue marlin), Ulang (river prawns), Bagnet (pork), & itik (free-range duck confit) among others. The menu was phenomenal and an unexpected treat to all of my guests. As I was busy making sure my friends were enjoying & being well-taken care of; I can’t say I was able to  partake of the dining experience like I should’ve. Definitely worth a round two once this thing is over! 

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Jess Wilson

Jess is one of the brains behind the oh so famous Sunnies Face makeup brand. She is also a model, entrepreneur, and style icon for many. Find out where she would like to eat, post-quarantine: 

What is the last restaurant you ate at? 

Wildflour! I had the granola yogurt bowl and coffee. Dropping by Wildflour before heading up to the office has become a morning routine for me and I can’t wait to get back to it. I appreciate everything about it that I took for granted - the familiar faces, friendly smiles and comforting meals.

What is the first restaurant are you going to eat at when this is all over and why?

I am excited to head to Inagiku to have uni, oysters, sashimi! Everything I can’t have right now.

Eric Thomas Dee

Eric is one of the driving forces behind the FooDee Global Concepts F&B empire as their chief operations officer. We ask him what has been on his mind lately: 

What is the last restaurant you ate at?

I had a good dinner with Chef Josh at Helm!

What is the first restaurant are you going to eat at when this is all over and why?

As soon as I get back to work I will be eating at all of our brands at Foodee Global Concepts haha! I am going to probably eat breakfast at Sunnies Cafe, grab a burger for lunch at Pound and maybe have dinner at FOOD! But I’ll have dessert in LlaoLlao in Food District haha! 

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Jacqueline Koppe

Food writer, mom and all around food lover Jacqueline talks to us about where she would like to go after the quarantine. 

What is the last restaurant you ate at? 

My last restaurant meal before the community quarantine was at Mireio. It was one of guest chef Beatriz Gonzalez’s dinners where I remember having a very good ceviche— the leche de tigre was so delicate it was almost floral. I love duck, and so the rare meat with the crispy, golden brown exterior was truly memorable and the highlight of that evening for me. 

What is the first restaurant are you going to eat at when this is all over and why? 

I am definitely having Japanese food when this is all over. Right now, we still have food delivered once in a while but only those we can reheat. So, I’ll be heading over to Kazunori for their chirashi sushi as soon as it’s safe to go out.

Pie Alvarez

This ex-mayor and entrepreneur is not used to having so much downtime. She now reflects on some of her favourite spots and shares them with us: 

What is the last restaurant you ate at?

I last ate at Wildflour Italian Restaurant in BGC. I had their amazing pasta and pizza! Their bolognese is always so good and hearty. While my favourite pizza there are the mushroom and pepperoni. 

I am so grateful that we have the opportunity to dine and experience a little taste of Italy. 

What is the first restaurant are you going to eat at when this is all over and why?

I am going to plan a family dinner at one of my favourite japanese neighborhood restaurants - Mecha Uma! Since we are unable to see each other during this quarantine period, I want us to be together again and enjoy the simple pleasures of food and actually being together.

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