Jasmine at New World Makati + Unlimited Dimsum for Php660

Yes honey-soy chicken loves, you read that right. We're all in for a mid-day treat via unlimited dimsum for only Php660 at Jasmine, the Cantonese restaurant at the newly renovated New World Makati. But more on that later, background kwento first ;)

When Patty Balquiedra of Non-stop Babble and Nini Icban, Director of Communications of New World Makati, invited the SoMoms to New World Makati, I didn't realize we we're in for not just one, but a couple of pleasant surprises. For one, New World Makati has undergone quite a facelift. The lobby looks so sleek and modern, it's like stepping into a new hotel:

Second, they have great spaces for parties! I love the open kitchen in the area that used to be a restaurant. The name escapes me now, but it has an adjoining function room which is great for an event that fits 100 people.

 

Third, back to Jasmine. It's a whole New World, a new fantastic point of view. *Get it? Heehee.* It looks a whole lot different from the last time I was there, when it was still Emperor Court. There's a chic, modern chinoiserie vibe to the place, and overall, I find it a great place for a lunch meeting, family gathering or a pig-out date with the hubby or with the girlfriends.

I won't describe each dumpling, puff and bun we had in detail, but just trust me when I say everything is delicious! Enough to warrant repeat visits and tell everyone I know, it's a must go!

A selection of xiao long bao, spinach dumplings and shrimp dumplings

pork & vegetable dumplings

shredded radish puff

pan fried chicken bun

Your Php660 net for unlimited dimsum includes a choice of tea or soda. On weekends, you may opt for your dimsum to go with sparkling wine instead at Php950 per person.

We also got to try dishes that are not part of the unlimited dimsum menu, but are chef specialties that are also worth a try!

bai ling mushrooms, shrimp mousse, white sauce

wok fried beef tenderloin, ginger, green peppercorn, spring onion

cod fish, ginger, leeks

egg white fried rice w/ seafood topped with shredded dried scallops

We capped our excellent meal with mango cream, pearl tapioca and walnut cookies. This dessert alone is worth going back for.

Jasmine at New World Makati is helmed by Chef Wong Kam On (below, right). His dimsum chef is also named Chef Wong, and you know what, these Two Wongs, they make a right ;)

Jasmine is open daily from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm for lunch/unlimited dimsum and from 6 pm to 10:30 pm for dinner. For more information and reservations, call 811-6888 ext 3338.

Jasmine at New World Makati

2nd Level

Esperanza St. cor Makati Ave.

Ayala Center Makati City

www.newworldhotels.com

Daphne Home Scents at Bench & Dimensione

When I got home, I just had to open the package right away and use my Daphne Home Scent in mint jasmine

You know how sometimes finding a hostess gift can be such a chore? That's how I feel sometimes when I am pressured to come up with something for a friend who invites us to their home. We often end up bringing a bottle of wine or some yummy specially ordered dessert. But food & wine, they don't really last long enough to make an impression. The fun in it can be fleeting, if not forgettable. 

That's why when Daphne Osena-Paez launched her line of home scents at Dimensione on Bonifacio High Street, I knew I found myself a winner. Because scents don't just linger, they leave memories too.

The scents, which come in lavender, mint jasmine and homemade lemon tart simply smell divine, are prettily packaged (reminds me of Jo Malone scents, in that simple but striking clear glass bottle with a black cap) and are special and thoughtful enough to give to hosts as gifts for housewarmings, play dates, or as a little something extra during pot lucks. I think these make great presents for our children's teachers and tutors too, or for colleagues at work!

While you can never really go wrong with any of these three scents "or flavors" as Berry calls it, if you are worried about choosing the right scent as a present, my suggestion is - simply get all three! At Php348 a bottle, you've got something that will surely please, at just a little over Php1000.

Meanwhile, for all of us especially, who read Daphne's blog, you may be well aware that she started her eponymous furniture line sometime back. Her first piece, which also debuted at Dimensione, is a range of chairs fashioned from farmed mahogany wood. Considered her signature piece, the Daphne chair is "whimsical yet rooted in practicality".

Apart from the red, white and blue you see above, the Daphne chair comes in an array of ice cream colors, like yellow, pink and lavender, as well basic black.

Daphne Home Scents retail at Php348 each and are available at Dimensione stores and selected Bench stores nationwide. Daphne chairs are available at Dimensione.