Salvatore Cuomo & Bar: Where Italian Food Rules

If youre looking for an Authentic Italian food and perfect Neapolitan Pizza, then its time to drop by Salvatore Cuomo & Bar where you could experience the taste of Naples (true Italian taste). The bonus is the waitstaff are all good looking and courteous enough for you to tip them big. I am wishing you could bump into Paul Basset though and tell me about your coffee experience.

Chef Salvatore Cuomo

I had a privilege of meeting World's Pizza Master, Celebrity Chef Salvatore Cuomo at his flagship restaurant Salvatore Cuomo & Bar grand opening on June 2.  I have been following his instagram account last year and was always salivating at his Neapolitan Pizza, pasta and all his star dishes. I got a surprise of my life when I found out he'll open his first flagship restaurant in Bonifacio High Street.

Salvatore Cuomo & Bar interior has high ceilings and exposed pipe for that industrial, millenial feel. I love that it has an open kitchen so you could see what's cooking and happening inside. I love how the chefs busily move around and speaks in Japanese. At that time, they are being trained by a Japanese team from the kitchen, dining, and barista/bar in Salvatore Cuomo Japan, who are currently in Manila to help with the opening.

Caprese di Mozzarella di Bufala php750

We started our meal with Caprese di Mozzarella di Bufala (Buffalo Mozarella Salad). I swear I could eat this dish all day, I love the flavor sweet and slightly salted, it compliments each other. This is my favorite!

Quattro Formaggi Php750. 4 Kinds of Cheese.

Next is the Neapolitan Pizza Quattro Formaggi with 4 Kinds of Cheese, it is best eaten with honey, this one tastes fresh and satisfyingly good, and perfectly baked.

Neapolitan pizza's description should be like this, crust is thin, dry and golden at the center; the edge is thicker, breadier and slightly scorched; the sauce is bubbling, but does not pool in the center; the cheese is melted and strings out as the slice is lifted. This is exactly what I devoured on!

World Champion Winner Pizza "DOC" PhpP820 with Mozzarella, Cherry Tomato and Basil.

D.O.C. (Denominazione Di Origine Controllata), an original pizza creation by Chef Salvatore that uses fully-ripened cherry tomatoes, a luxurious amount of bufala mozzarella, basil and a splash of olive oil layered on a delicate crust. Again,this one tastes great when you pour honey on top of every slice.

They only use bufala mozzarella and tomato sauce to their pizzas that is imported and proprietary to the company.

“We wanted to raise the bar of Italian food in the Philippines. We believe that Salvatore Cuomo would be welcomed by the more discerning diners in Manila who’ve travelled extensively and know what Neapolitan-style Italian cuisine is all about,” said Luigi Vera, managing director.

Tagliere di Affettati, 

This is a plate of traditional Italian cured meats sliced paper thin.

True to his Italian heritage, Salvatore Cuomo is known for his exacting standards in demanding the best raw materials and ingredients for his dishes. During the early stages of construction, Cuomo flew to Manila to check local sources and determine if these would pass his standards.

“Mr. Cuomo is extremely involved in food and menu development, and quite discerning in sourcing ingredients. He also cooked his signature dishes, and showed our local staff how he prepares them to make sure that Manila will be able to present the food as he does it,” said Richie Yang, director.

Indeed, getting the right ingredients is integral to the Salvatore Cuomo experience. All of their pizzas, for instance, only use bufala mozzarella and tomato sauce that is imported and proprietary to the company. They are baked in a custom-made oven shipped from Naples, Italy. The oven uses a combination of local beech wood and imported composite wood that gives the pizza its distinct taste and texture.

Neapolitan-style Fish Soup

Homemade Fettuccine with Scampi in Tomato cream sauce PhpP850 full size

There is of course desserts to wrap up your Neapolitan experience..

Amaretto Panna Cotta with Fresh Mango Sauce Php320

Torta Caprese Chocolate Cake - Php380

Tiramisu served with Pistachio Gelato Php380

Salvatore Cuomo & Bar serves Fresh Fruit Frozen, Tropical,  Martini and Standard Cocktails, Fresh Fruit Shakes for the non alcoholic. 

Coolness Pineapple- fresh pineapple with passionfruits liquer, fresh lime and grenadine syrup

Rooftop Blue Hawaii with Fresh golden pineapple,fresh lime rum, blue curapao

Passionate Rosso-fresh water melon, lemon,cranberry juice/syrup

Exotic Lover -Fresh Mango, Orange, and Mango Juice 

If you’ve ever been to Naples, Italy, you know that their pizza is decisively the best in the world. Yet even with an ostensibly simple recipe – just a handful of fresh ingredients composed of fresh dough, tomatoes, mozzarella di bufala, basil and olive oil – a proper pizza Napoletana is just as hard to get in Manila.

“The ingredients are very important. We want to make sure we get the freshest and the tastiest products available to us. We spend years selecting and choosing, and even creating some of our ingredients to make sure they are the best. It took us maybe three years to get the perfect basil. This makes a big impact on taste and flavor, ensuring that we are able to serve premium quality pizzas and other dishes,” noted Chef Salvatore.

Thus, when the opportunity to bring a taste of true Neapolitan cuisine to Manila came up, Luigi Vera and Richie Yang of Am-Phil Group and their partners wasted no time making sure it will happen. On June 2, premium Italian restaurant Salvatore Cuomo & Bar finally opens its doors to guests, and will occupy an entire 475 square meters of space at the Uptown Parade in Bonifacio Global City.

The restaurant is part of a food empire built by Salvatore Cuomo himself, a celebrated Italian chef, restaurateur and a famous personality hailed as the pioneer of Neapolitan pizza in Japan.

After a hearty meal, Salvatore Cuomo & Bar serves specially imported Paul Bassett coffee. Paul Bassett, Australia’s famous coffee prodigy won the World Barista Championship at the age of 25. Paul Bassett sources coffees of the highest quality and have refined roasting and brewing techniques, which best highlight their intrinsic characteristics.

The Pizza Man and his empire
Having over a hundred restaurants to his name – from casual pizza and pasta restaurants to more premium dining outlets – says a great deal about Salvatore Cuomo and his food.

Described by friends and colleagues as larger-than-life and gregarious, Cuomo was born in Naples, Italy in 1972 by an Italian father and Japanese mother. At the age of 11, he trained himself in his uncle’s pizzeria and later on fine-tuned his trade in the kitchens of some of Naples’ finest pizza restaurants. He gradually learned how to blend the traditional Italian art of cooking with the Japanese art of perfection.

In 1984, he traveled to Japan with his father, who opened an Italian restaurant in Chiba. Japan didn’t appeal to the young Cuomo then, he went back to Italy and spent the next three years studying at a culinary school.  He returned to Japan at the age of 18.

After his father died, Cuomo was left with a bankrupt restaurant with no money and mounting debt. Nevertheless, Cuomo and his brothers made the decision to stay in Japan and subsequently worked in the Japanese service industry to survive.

During those days, Italian cuisine was just starting to get popular and Cuomo saw this as an opportunity to introduce Neapolitan pizza in Japan which nobody was making. The next couple of years were spent understanding the Japanese food mentality and researching the market before opening a new restaurant in Tokyo with what Cuomo calls "Original Neapolitan pizza."

“It was a crazy, crazy place but one of most fun restaurants I ever had. We only did dinner, no lunch, no afternoon, only dinner. You had to book a month in advance and we had queues of 200 people going down the street. We had to choose who could come in and who couldn’t,” said Salvatore Cuomo in one interview.

Needless to say, Cuomo became known as “The Pizza Man” in Japan who catapulted Neapolitan pizza to fame. Shortly after, he started coming out on TV in Japan, making guest appearances in Iron Chef and Iron Chef Japan, hosting a TV cooking program, and writing cookbooks. He also began opening restaurants in key locations across the Nippon archipelago as well as in other countries, including Taiwan, China, Korea, and now in the Philippines. His empire of Salvatore Cuomo Restaurants, Catering Services, Cookbooks and Licensed Products is run by Y’s Table Corporation, owned and operated by Seizaburo Kanayama and Salvatore Cuomo.

“We want to be very transparent. Ten, twenty, thirty years ago, the Asian kitchen was closed and very private.  But we wanted to establish trust with our customers by showing them everything. I used to believe that if I showed people how to make my food, they would copy it. But I realized it is impossible to copy just like that. Our food comes from us being artisans, preparing it to perfection every time. You cannot copy the experience that goes into making that food, it takes years of training. I’m working very hard to educate our guests, but my staff I want to make sure they know about everything that goes into the pizza. For example, how the colour of the tomato affects the taste and how that makes the pizza better or worse,” he explains.

Even the glassware for cocktails were carefully selected, combining both function and whimsy, sure to delight guests. Plating is also very important to them as well. There’s a good number of interestingly designed plates used to serve the dishes, that results in an appetizing and beautiful food presentation.

Nothing is left to chance. Every ingredient in every dish is how it should be. Every detail is of high-quality. That is what makes Salvatore Cuomo, the man and the restaurant, a cut above the rest.
Italian food is best paired with good coffee after a hearty meal.

SALVATORE CUOMO PHILIPPINES
Uptown Parade Mall, 9th Avenue corner 38th St.
Telephone: +632 946-3072, +632 9463073
Facebook: Salvatore Cuomo Philippines
Twitter: @salvatore_cuomo
Instagram: @salvatore_cuomo11
Website: https://salvatorecuomo.com/

Azul Bar and Cafe the hippest new chill out place in Acuatico Resort, Batangas

Azul Bar and Cafe finally open its doors to an excited crowd of guests last June 5 at Acuatico Resort San Juan, Batangas. The grand opening was graced by some of the biggest OPM name in the industry including  Jim Paredes,  Aiza Seguerra, ,Nyoy Volante  and upcoming musician Zion Aquino.

The star studded concert served as a preview of what Batanguenos can expect from the only high end Resto bar in the San Juan area.

Trina Belamide, Simonette Gusi

No less than renowned OPM composer Trina Belamide will serve as Azul's consultant. so expect a good lineup of regular performers in the coming months. We were fortunate enough to be part of the opening as we were staying at Acuatico's sister resort Acuaverde. 

Ms. Simonette Gusi

Azul Bar and Cafe is the newest attraction of Acuatico Resort, one oft he most famous resort of the area. According to Ms. Simontte Gusi, general manager, they decided to put up Azul Bar and Cafe in response to the numerous request and suggestions from guests and nearby residents. "Although San Juan Batangas is known for having a lot of resorts there is really no high end resto bar that would served the high end market. Some say they even have to drive two or three hours to BGC The Fort to enjoy a good night of music and great food". 

Azul's menu is texmex inspired according to Chef Richard Dancel that perfectly complements their cocktails and beers.  “Food historians tell us TexMex cuisine originated hundreds of years ago when Spanish/Mexican recipes combined with Anglo fare. TexMex- a combination of the words “Texan” and “Mexican” is a twentieth century phenomenon and now we’re bringing it in Laiya! for some “delicioso” cuisine, said Chef Richard.

Since Batangas is known for its delicious beef, you might also want to try Azul’s Porterhouse Steak, Tenderloin, TBone, Sirloin or Beef Rib or Pork Rib Roast and Baby Back Ribs.

Finally for groups there’s the Cajun seafood platter, Meat Platter and Azul Trilogy.

“As you can see, we have a complete lineup prepared for our guests so whether they are looking for a heavy meal, or just appetizers and bar chow, I’m sure they’ll find something to order,” adds the head Chef.

Azul is open to both hotel and walk in guests of the resort.

We checked in beside Acuatico Resort's sister company Acuaverde Beach Resort.  We occupied a room at Casa Laiya with a queen bed and a balcony which we had our nice view of the beach, cabanas, sunbeds, and not to mention the picturesque sunrise.

We had our sumptuous lunch buffet style . Before we left Acuaverde we had a nice relaxing massage courtesy of Acuatico's.

Beside Acuaverde Bech Resort lies ACUATICO Resort,  a tourist’s haven. You will enjoy its balmy tropical setting and the deep-blue crystalline waters of the sea. Enjoy the majestic Mt. Daguldul whose lush virgin forest remains undefiled by human exploitation. Enjoy the beach more because of Laiya’s unique climate characterized by less rainfall.

ACUATICO is an excellent getaway for beach and nature lovers even for those who simply want to spend a brief moment of relaxation anytime of the year. The beach resort derived its name ACUATICO from the Spanish word “water”,signifying its inherent business character and accentuates ACUATICO’s most prominent feature – a 700 sqm. infinity pool that seems to assimilate with the blue waters of the adjacent sea, and distinctly differentiates it from other resorts in the area. The infinity pool is complemented by a jacuzzi, a kiddie pool and a floating bar at the pool’s center.

ACUATICO offers Balinese-inspired villas with well-appointed rooms complete with amenities, watersports and spa facilities, meeting room for corporate functions, playroom, souvenir shop and unique Day Tour areas for tourists and guests who want to relax in elegance and style. Its all-day dining restaurant serves the best in food and accommodates guest requests - whether the cuisine
be local or international – to suit their tastes.

“Acuatico  aims to provide a high-class deluxe resort under a friendly atmosphere and ensure premium leisure experience and complete satisfaction to all its guests,” GM Gusi explained.

ACUATICO’s corporate philosophy is to provide a high-class deluxe resort under a friendly atmosphere south of Manila and ensure premium leisure experience and complete satisfaction to all its guests. It anchors its activities on exerting its best in meeting the various needs of its clients, rigidly implementing a set of values predicated on excellent service, optimum quality, adaptable flexibility, cohesive teamwork and solid commitment, ever conscious of its highly-motivating slogan – “Happy Guests, Happy Employees and Happy Stakeholders.”

ACUATICO has recently topped the lists of preferred holiday destination accommodations and awarded a Certificate of Excellence by Trip Advisor in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

Continuously gaining popularity, the resort is operated by Acuatico Beach Resort and Hotel, Inc. and managed by husband and wife team, the latter having extensive exposure in hotel management and operations. The resort is staffed by fully-trained personnel whose affable and courteous manners immediately put the guest at ease and settle him into a feeling of confidence and comfortability.

With Manila Sales and Reservations Office address
 Unit 142 Ground Floor Mile Long Building, 
V.A. Rufino corner Amorsolo street Makati City, 
ACUATICO Beach Resort is a bona-fide member of the Association of Laiya Resorts Owners
(ALRO) and accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Trade in your old juicer and save Php5000 for a New Hurom HA Series

Get PhP5,000.00 off a new Hurom Slow Juicer HA Series if you trade in your old juicer of any brand.  Hurom elevates juicing to a new level. Hurom slow juicers gently squeeze fruits and vegetables, nuts and grains to preserve their natural taste and nutrition, color, and flavor. There are no sharp edges or whirring blades, just pure nutritious deliciousness. Unlike commercial juices, Hurom juice is full of live, digestive enzymes. Make it a habit to drink to health and grab a Hurom juicer now.

This is the second (2nd)  year in a row that Hurom is doing their Slow Juicer Trade-In Promo. Last year’s campaign was so successful that Hurom has decided to do it again. The public who missed out last year have a chance to take advantage of this deal.    

The customer can trade in any brand of juicer, in whatever condition, to any Hurom representative at participating stores:  Rustan’s, SM, Landmark, Anson’s, Abenson, True Value, SM Appliance Center. The customer will be given a PhP5,000.00 discount upon purchase of the Hurom Slow Juicer - HA series. Customers can trade in a maximum of three (3) units for the entire duration of the promo period. The trade-in promotion cannot be availed in conjunction with other Hurom promotions except where indicated. The trade in juicers and blenders are not convertible to cash.  Promo Period is from July 1-August 31, 2016.

Hurom Slow Juicers are available in Abenson, Anson Link, Duty Free, Gourdo’s, Rustan’s, Landmark, Metro Gaisano, Royal Duty Free, S&R, SM Appliance, SM Home, True Value, and Western Appliances. To learn more about Hurom Slow Juicers, visit the official website at www.hurom.com and follow us on our social media accounts: (Facebook) http://www.facebook.com/huromphofficial, and (Twitter & Instagram) @HuromPHofficial. You may contact directly to hotlines (+632) 926-8038 / (+632) 926-8009.

SkyRanch Tagaytay: Your Next Food Destination

Thrilling and exciting rides, picturesque beauty of the captivating Taal Lake and Volcano, and colorful and convivial bright lights at night – these are some words that best describe Tagaytay’s most favorite park, SkyRanch Tagaytay. But did you know that aside from these images, SkyRanch Tagaytay is slowly getting the attention of the city’s tourists with its well-selected restaurants and food destinations that are set to complete one’s visit in this relaxing, family-friendly place in the south?

The site that once hold the title of “The Biggest Ferris Wheel” just keeps getting better and better with the addition of new attractions that are perfect for thrill seekers and adventuresome. And to satisfy its guests, SkyRanch Tagaytay boasts its place with restaurant partners that are set to satiate one’s craving including top Tagaytay favorites.

For big groups and families, guests can find comfort and satisfaction on Mesa Moderne Filipino, Leslie’s Restaurant, and Kusé’s offerings. These Filipino restaurants are eagerly enticing each guest with their mouthwatering Filipino favorites such as the famous Mesa Filipino Moderne’s Hito Flakes and Tawilis with Mangga on Spoon, Pinatayong Manok and Crispy Boneless Tilapia. Craving for some Bulalo, Leslie’s Restaurant takes pride on their Bulalo Original, Kare-Kareng Crispy Pata and Suman sa Lihiya at Tsokolate Eh! While Kusé offers their bestsellers Bacon Sinigang sa Sampalok, Patotim and Brick Oven Lechong Baka.

Guests who are looking for a more budget-friendly options can indulge on the mouthwatering options of Kenny Rogers Roasters that serves their world-favorite Classic Roast Chicken, Honey Bourbon Ribs, Steak or even some other light and healthy options. Then, there’s Tokyo Tokyo for some Japanese Cuisine options at a very affordable price. Here, you could enjoy their Bestsellers, Sumo Meals, Tokyo Bento, Donburi and Burgers without breaking the bank. And for some unique dishes, one could find comfort at Uncle Cheffy – with their brick-over BBQ, panizza, and platter, there’s something that will fit one’s taste and budget.

Always on-the-go or prefer to spend more time in the park? SkyRanch Tagaytay has KFC, The Red Engine Restaurant and Downtown Pizza & Pasta as well that are always ready with their easy-to-grab meals – all complete with side dishes and drinks. KFC serves their all-time favorite set meals all complete with their world-renowned finger-lickin’-good fried chicken, while The Red Engine offers unique variants of comfort food such burgers, sandwiches, chicken, and even rice plates for those who want to fill good. For pizza lovers, Downtown Pizza & Pasta is the perfect place for you. With their selection of Italian dishes such as panini, pasta, calzone, and rice meals, you’ll find comfort and fun here while satiating your discriminating tastebud.

SkyRanch Tagaytay also houses the world-famous doughnut, Krispy Kreme, and 7-Eleven for extra convenience.

These restaurants and the inclusion of the new rides - Log Coaster, Drop Tower, Safari Splash, Play Zone, Lobster Pot and High Striker and top favorite rides such as the Sky Eye, Super Viking, Zip Line and Riding Loop (Horseback Riding) – are what’s drawing guests from different parts of the country and the world now.

This season, SkyRanch Tagaytay is also giving its loyal patrons a chance to take home a souvenir item through their Rainy Days Season. For a minimum proof of purchase worth Php1,500.00, single receipt from Monday to Friday, from any of Sky Ranch Tagaytay restaurant, guest may claim one (1) Sky Ranch Tagaytay umbrella.  This promo runs from July 4 to August 31, 2016.

So, what are you waiting for? Come and visit SkyRanch Tagaytay now.

SkyRanch Tagaytay is located along Tagaytay - Nasugbu Via Tuy Road, Barangay Kaybagal South, Tagaytay City (Beside Taal Vista Hotel). Open Monday to Friday (10:00 am - 10:00 pm), Saturday to Sunday (8:00 am - 10:00 pm) and during Holidays (8:00 am - 10:00 pm).

For more details, you can log on to http://skyranch.ph or follow SkyRanch Tagaytay on it Social Media accounts: Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SkyRanchPHL).

Twitter and Instagram (@SkyRanchPHL). For Inquiries for ride packages, kindly contact SkyRanch Tagaytay’s Group Sales Department at storylandsales@gmail.com or you may contact 862 ­7709. Ride­All-You-Can pass is subject for booking and is not available for walk-in guests.