TRB Forbidden City, a break from Chinese Cuisine in Beijing

Since there are no existing lists from The Michelin Guide nor from The World's 50 Best Restaurants about the best rated food finds and restaurants in Beijing, China, I decided to check out TripAdvisor, which has a list of the best restaurants in Beijing, for my recent trip.

One restaurant which stood out is the TRB, which has a spot at #7 (TRB Hutong) and #10 (TRB Forbidden City). Also, after hearing good reviews from my colleagues following their experience at Hulu (a new addition to the growing brands of the TRB Group in China), I decided to try out TRB Forbidden City.

A few meters off the Donghuamen (东华门) or the East gate of the Forbidden City, you will find TRB Forbidden City, which is the second restaurant branch of TRB Hospitality Group, "offering contemporary and creative European cuisine in the majestic shadow of the adjacent Forbidden City."

"One can expect a thoroughly regal culinary affair here, from the exquisitely prepared gastronomy to one of the largest wine selections in the city, coupled with our gracious and warm hospitality, the dining experience here is unmistakably befitting to the neighboring palace."

From start to finish, I can only say good things about the restaurant, and attest to their core value of their dedication to providing outstanding hospitality to each and every guest.

I went around a little past 2 in the afternoon, and was offered the Brunch Menu (which is offered until 3pm). They were very responsive to my needs. Their Brunch Menu for that day only offers the 5-course meal, but they allowed me to just take a 3-course meal as I was not very hungry.

They started me off with a complimentary glass of bubbles, and 3 kinds of fresh homemade breads (which I swear was very good as it is, or accompanied with their homemade jams).

My appetizer was the Salmon / Caviar / Grapefruit (三文鱼 / 鱼子酱 / 葡萄柚), followed by my main course, Wagyu Beef (80g) / Asparagus / Pesto / Truffle (和牛(80 克 / 160 克)/ 芦笋 / 青酱 / 松露), and for my dessert the Hazelnut / Mascarpone / Blood Orange (榛子 / 马斯卡彭 / 血橙).

My total damage was RMB228 or Php1,824 (with a RMB 30 service charge). This was definitely a culinary experience I was looking for and worth my time and money. I would definitely want to try their other dishes and restaurants when I get the time to visit again.

TRB Forbidden City

Opening Hours:
Lunch: 11:30-14:30 (Mon-Fri)/ Brunch: 11:30-15:00 (Sat-Sun)
Dinner: 17:30-22:00 (Mon-Sun)
Address: No.95 Donghuamen, Dongcheng District, Beijing China 北京市东城区东华门大街95号 Tel: +8610 6401 6676
Email: forbidden@trb-cn.com

Islas Pinas, Filipino Food and Heritage Village, at DoubleDragon Plaza

Yesterday, we were able to sample the "Best of the Philippines," at the newly opened Islas Pinas in DoubleDragon Plaza at DD Meridian Park in the Bay Area. Islas Pinas, an indoor food and heritage village, is the newest tourism destination in Metro Manila featuring Filipino food all over the country, and distinct cultural, heritage, and tourist sites recreated in a 2,500 square meter space that can seat up to 700 persons.

Islas Pinas is a collaboration between the DoubleDragon Group, and Chef Margarita Forés, Asia’s Best Female Chef of 2016, whose mission is to bring Filipino cuisine to global prominence. Islas Pinas is a project that aims to inspire love for the Philippines and to cultivate patriotism by showcasing the country’s beautiful sites and diverse regional cuisines. 

With Asia's Best Female Chef for 2016, Ms. Margarita Fores

SINAG, the Tagalog word for ‘ray of light’ offers all-day Filipino breakfast favorites like our TAPSILOG (TAPa – salted beef, SInangag – fried rice and ItLOG – fried egg) and Batchoy, an Ilonggo noodle soup with pork offal, crushed pork cracklings and beef loin.

Sisig with rice (Php175.00) Sisig is a Filipino Kapampangan dish made from part of the pig head & liver, usually seasoned with calamansi & chili

ALAMAT or legend, tells the story of the different regions of the Philippines through its signature dishes. BILAO is coined after the woven winnowing basket where comfort snacks like pansit (fried noodles) and puto (rice cakes) are usually served, while PANADERYA offers neighborhood bakery favorites such pan de sal and kalihim. TUSOK-TUSOK, on the other hand, offers urban street food finds like barbecue on stick, isaw (grilled chicken intestine) and kwek-kwek (fried quail eggs).

Isaw, Chicken Feet, Pork BBQ, Kwek-kwek, Fish Ball / Squid Ball, Kikiam, are some of the items you'll find at Tusok-Tusok.

PANULAK or beverage is where the samalamig (cold drinks with different flavors) will be available. Lastly, PAMPANG or shore will allow guests to enjoy chosen fresh catch cooked to their preference. 

Balangay | Photo by Ferds Moncawe

Can you guess the vegetables in the popular "Bahay Kubo" song?

Balot and Penoy (unfertilized duck egg), a popular Filipino street-food by the streets of Intramuros

Islas Pinas is located at DoubleDragon Plaza, DD Meridian Park, corners EDSA Extension and Macapagal Avenue, Bay Area, Pasay City, Metro Manila. It opens its doors to the public this June 8, 2018.