Seafood 8 by Olio's Opens at Gateway Mall 2, Araneta City

 

A new seafood destination has arrived in Araneta City with the opening on August 8 of Seafood 8 by Olio's, an innovative bistro-style restaurant that reimagines the beloved Filipino dampa experience for a new generation of diners.

Located on the ground floor of Gateway Mall 2, Seafood 8 by Olio’s introduces a fresh take on premium seafood dining and contemporary culinary craftsmanship. 

Designed to accommodate approximately 130 guests, Seafood 8 by Olio’s brings the drama and energy of a bustling seafood market into a contemporary dining environment. Live seafood aquariums, fresh displays on ice, and an open kitchen create an immersive experience where guests can see, hear, and anticipate each dish as it is prepared.

At the heart of Seafood 8 by Olio’s are eight signature sauces, each crafted to bring out the best in every dish. These signature sauces are Miso Butter, Inasal Citrus Ginger & Soy, Oriental Chili Caramel, Latin Chimichurri, Pomodoro Tomato Olive Capers, Gambas Roja, Bagoong Béarnaise, and Sambal XO Chili.

The concept is the brainchild of Chef Oliver "Oli" Buenviaje, a Filipino chef whose career spans some of the most respected kitchens in Australia and across the world. Seafood 8 by Olio’s is his first restaurant venture in the Philippines.

"Seafood has always been at the heart of my culinary journey," said Chef Buenviaje. "Seafood 8 by Olio’s is my way of celebrating the incredible seafood we have in this country while presenting it through the lens of everything I've learned around the world."

Born in Sorsogon, Chef Buenviaje moved to Australia as a teenager before eventually pursuing a culinary career that took him to renowned establishments including Alain Ducasse's Le Meurice in Paris, Al Mahara at Dubai's iconic Burj Al Arab, L'Normandie at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, and Caprice at Four Seasons Hong Kong. He later founded Olio's Fine Food Catering in Perth, serving premium clients and building a reputation for refined dining experiences.

Despite an international career, the inspiration behind Seafood 8 by Olio’s remains distinctly Filipino. Chef Buenviaje credits much of his philosophy on hospitality to his late grandfather, Jose Aviles, who taught him the value of generosity, community, and sharing meals with others.

Filipinos love seafood, and we love sharing meals," Chef Buenviaje added. "Seafood 8 by Olio’s is about giving guests the freedom to create their own dining experience while enjoying the quality, care, and excitement that comes with every dish."

As Seafood 8 by Olio’s officially opens its doors in Araneta City, diners can look forward to an experience that brings together fresh seafood, world-class culinary expertise, and the interactive spirit of dampa dining, reimagined for today's generation of food lovers.

The Whisky Bar Opens at World Kitchens, Gateway Mall 2: Bringing the Happiest Hour, Every Hour to Araneta City

 

Whisky does not always have to be serious, intimidating, or reserved for special occasions. With the grand launch of The Whisky Bar inside World Kitchens on Level 4 of Gateway Mall 2, Araneta City now has a new place where guests can enjoy whisky in a more refreshing, more social and more rewarding way. Created for whisky lovers, casual drinkers, and groups looking for a more elevated place to gather, The Whisky Bar brings together refreshing highballs, premium whisky pours, familiar cocktails, and popular spirits in one vibrant and welcoming space. With its wide drink selection and exciting offers, The Whisky Bar is set to make every visit feel like The Happiest Hour, Every Hour.

At the center of The Whisky Bar experience is its signature highball menu. A highball is whisky served with a refreshing mixer, making it lighter and easier to enjoy. At The Whisky Bar, this popular Japanese whisky serve is given a more flavorful twist through highballs made with Charles & James Whisky and complemented by flavor-forward mixers and ingredients, the highballs go beyond the usual with bright citrus notes, subtle sweetness, and crisp easy-drinking profiles suited to the Filipino palate.

These highballs offer guests a refreshing new way to enjoy whisky. They are smooth, social, and easy to drink, while carrying the depth and character that make whisky one of the world’s most celebrated spirits. Whether enjoyed after work, before a movie, over dinner, or during a night out with friends, The Whisky Bar’s highballs make whisky feel more refreshing, special, and worth coming back for. For those looking to explore whisky further, The Whisky Bar also offers an expansive selection of world-class and sought-after whisky brands, served neat, on the rocks, or through classic whisky cocktails. Guests can discover renowned expressions from celebrated names such as Tamnavulin, Jura, and The Dalmore, featuring a selection of their premium and award-winning releases that give both new and seasoned whisky drinkers more reasons to explore.

Complementing its whisky offerings is a cocktail menu inspired by timeless favorites that have become staples among Filipino drinkers. The menu includes crowd-pleasing classics such as the Mojito, Negroni, and Sangria, made with quality spirits and served with the same elevated touch that makes every round feel more special. While drinks remain at the heart of the experience, The Whisky Bar’s location inside World Kitchens also gives guests access to a wide variety of food choices that complement its drinks. Visitors can pair their drinks with food options that make the experience more complete.

With refreshing highballs, premium whisky selections, classic cocktails, popular spirits, food pairing, and exciting drink offers available every visit, The Whisky Bar at World Kitchens brings together everything guests need for their biggest cheers and happiest hours. At The Whisky Bar, whisky is more refreshing, every round feels more rewarding, and every visit can feel like The Happiest Hour, Every Hour.

Premium yet approachable: Discover a new way to enjoy wine at World Cellar

 

A new dimension to Araneta City's vast dining scene opens this year with World Cellar, a first-of-its- kind, one-of-a-kind wine-centric concept at World Kitchens in Gateway Mall 2. Designed to be refined but not intimidating, World Cellar brings curated wine experiences closer to more people, offering quality selections at a friendlier price point, delivering great value without compromising on experience, and encouraging guests to explore, taste, and enjoy wine on their own terms.

Instead of positioning wine solely as something reserved for celebrations, World Cellar aims to build a wine culture rooted in everyday enjoyment, with a strong focus on everyday value wines that invite regular discovery rather than rare indulgence. Its thoughtfully assembled collection of up to 4,000 bottles features labels from renowned wine regions around the globe. From classic Old World wines to expressive New World varietals, the selection is curated to appeal to both seasoned wine enthusiasts and first-time drinkers, and to invite curiosity rather than settling on a single familiar label.

The cellar space itself is anchored by expansive wine displays and a customized wine chiller system created through the collaboration of Celsius Equipment, known for crafting state-of-the-art wine cellars in Singapore, and Cellar Solutions, a Taiwan-based specialist in advanced wine storage systems. World Cellar was designed by Singapore-based AT+Co, the same firm behind the overall design of World Kitchens. Together, these expert teams shaped a setting that feels immersive, relaxed, and elegant without being exclusive.

World Cellar can accommodate more than 60 seated guests. But unlike traditional wine lounges, World Cellar extends beyond its own space. Diners anywhere within World Kitchens can order wine from World Cellar, while those who select a bottle from the cellar are free to bring it outside and pair it with dishes from any of the surrounding show kitchens. This open approach creates opportunities for multiple wine pairings across multiple cuisines (from Asian and European flavors to contemporary comfort food) and reinforces the idea that good wine belongs at every table, not just inside a wine lounge.

Guided wine tasting sessions are also being planned to encourage people to discover and experience a wide variety of wines rather than just choosing the same “safe” bottle all the time. A specially trained staff is on hand to assist with selections, making exploration easy even for those unsure of where to begin.

With its approachable philosophy, curated selections, and flexible dining integration, World Cellar introduces a more inclusive way of enjoying good wine—guided by honest prices and the belief that drinking well does not have to mean paying more.

World Cellar opens for soft launch on January 15 at World Kitchens, located at Level 4 of Gateway Mall 2 in Araneta City. For inquiries and reservations, contact +63 9189394537 or email wk.reservations.aranetagrp@gmail.com.

Five reasons why World Kitchens is the 'it' place to be

World Kitchens Chefs

Inspired by the comfort food of the world, WORLD KITCHENS is a one-of-a-kind, first-of-its-kind 5-star dining destination created by Singapore’s food and beverage guru Andrew Tan Hock Lai. With 15 show kitchens and international chefs specializing in unique cuisines, this giant full-table-service restaurant offers a variety of international dishes at affordable prices.

Five reasons why World Kitchens is the it place to be

Serving great food at a single table, and using AI technology for seamless ordering, World Kitchens redefines dining as a global culinary experience. For us Pinoys, food has always been a reason to come together. More than the flavors, it’s all about the people we share it with, the bonds built with every bite, the stories told, and the memories made. At World Kitchens in Gateway Mall 2, that spirit of connection meets a dining experience built for every kind of craving. With flavors from around the world, meals prepared fresh by chef-led show kitchens, and the freedom to enjoy it all at your own pace, it’s a place where everyone can have exactly what they want and share it with the people who matter most.

From the first bite to the last, here’s how World Kitchens makes every meal feel like something special:

1. Explore various international cuisines in one vibrant space.

World Kitchens brings together 15 chef-led show kitchens, each serving dishes inspired by the world’s most celebrated cuisines and beloved comfort foods. From Japanese fare like sushi and sashimi, to pizzas and calzones of Italy, and even to well-loved Filipino classics, everything’s here, all made fresh, and served on the same table.

At World Kitchens, the best of the world is just waiting to be discovered. You can mix and match flavors from some of the world’s most beloved cuisines to suit everyone’s craving, making it perfect for family reunions and spontaneous group dinners with the barkada.

2. Order and pay from your phone for a smooth, hassle-free meal.

Ordering here is designed to keep your focus on the experience, not the minutes. Just scan the QR code on your table to browse the full menu, place your order, and pay — all from your own phone, at your own pace. No waiting for the bill, no need to flag down servers.

For guests who prefer it, physical menus are available, and World Kitchens staff can provide a tablet or help connect you to Wi-Fi if needed.

3. Dine in a warm, nature-inspired space designed for comfort and style.

World Kitchens combines modern touches with inspirations from nature to create an ambiance of warm opulence. Designed by renowned Singaporean designer Dickman Tan, World Kitchens boasts of an open dining space that also features private nooks. Throughout the venue, plants, rocks, and wood are used as accents. Meanwhile, warm lighting and tasteful design elements are used to create a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. This harmonious approach to the restaurant’s design truly sets it apart from others, treating customers to an inviting and cozy dining experience. Live piano music fills the air every weekday night, adding a touch of elegance to your meal.

4. Celebrate with loved ones in private, beautifully designed VIP areas.

Whether it’s a birthday, an anniversary, or just a long-overdue meet-up with friends, World Kitchens has VIP areas for groups of various sizes. Some offer a sense of privacy without being fully enclosed, while others can host large parties.

Reservations are easy, just call (02) 8860-9799 or email wkreservations@aranetagroup.com to secure your spot and plan your celebration with ease.

5. Enjoy a great meal and everything else you need, all in one vibrant destination.

World Kitchens’ location in Gateway Mall 2 puts it at the heart of Araneta City, where a great meal can be part of a bigger day out. Here, you can attend mass at the nearby Sagrada Familia Church, catch a film at the World Kitchens Platinum Cinema, shop for essentials at the grocery, or take advantage of the city’s convenient transport links.

It’s also the perfect time to visit with the Special Culinary Festival, a weekday promo offering complete lunch sets starting at just ₱349 from Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each set combines an appetizer, main course, dessert, and drink, all crafted by World Kitchens’ roster of international culinary brands, giving diners a taste of its global variety in one value-packed experience. This special promo runs until August 22.

Learn more about World Kitchens and all the delightful offerings it has by visiting www.worldkitchens.com.ph.

World Kitchens Offers AI-Powered Experience at Gateway Mall 2

 

Inspired by the comfort food of the world, WORLD KITCHENS is a one-of-a-kind, first-of-its-kind 5- tar dining destination created by Singapore’s food and beverage guru Andrew Tan Hock Lai. With 15 show kitchens and international chefs specializing in unique cuisines, this giant full-table-service restaurant offers a variety of international dishes at affordable prices. Serving great food at a single table, and using AI technology for seamless ordering, World Kitchens redefines dining as a global culinary experience.

Located on the 4th level of Gateway Mall 2 in Araneta City, World Kitchens is setting a new benchmark for tech-enabled dining in the Philippines. With a simple scan of a QR code, guests can browse menus from 15 distinct show kitchens, order a variety of dishes from different cuisines, and settle their bill—all without leaving their seat. This makes World Kitchens the first F&B concept in the country to introduce this kind of ordering setup. This AI-powered ordering system removes the usual friction from group dining, letting guests focus on what truly matters: enjoying great food together. 

In any other dining setting, this would mean hopping from one restaurant to another, scanning multiple menus, juggling separate bills. But at World Kitchens, it’s as simple as scanning a QR code.

Each table is given a unique QR code that connects to a digital menu of the entire culinary spectrum of World Kitchens: Japan’s Kuro Maguro, Unagi Yukimitsu, and The You No Men; Spain’s Asador de Manila; Hong Kong’s HK Ma’s Bistro; India’s Prana; Singapore’s Chef Fung Private Kitchen; Italy’s Dario Pizza & More; and Pinoy favorites by Chef Jessie. Rounding out the experience are Lepak, which serves innovative cocktails, and Sticky Sweet for desserts and handcrafted wagashi. Whether someone craves sushi, biryani, pizza, ramen, or lechon, they can have it all—together and at once.

What truly sets this ordering system apart is how it learns and adapts to each diner. Upon placing an order, the system recommends curated pairings and sides that best complement the selected dish.

On a guest’s next visit, the digital menu—if accessed through a logged-in account—remembers previous orders and offers personalized suggestions based on their dining history, creating a smarter, more customized experience every time.

This effortless blend of technology and taste results in a frictionless experience from start to finish, making World Kitchens more than just a dining destination. It’s a venue for connection, celebration, and culinary discovery.

Learn more about World Kitchens and all the delightful offerings it has by visiting www.worldkitchens.com.ph.

To know more about the latest promos, activities, and happenings at Araneta City, please visit www.aranetacity.com. You may also like and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok.

Mango Tree Cafe: A Taste of Thailand All Day from Brunch to Dinner

 

Mango Tree Cafe at the Ground Floor of Gateway Mall 2 in Araneta City Cubao

Mango Tree Cafe has recently elevated its menu, offering a delectable array of Thai dishes perfect for any time of day. From their new All Day Thai menu to their exciting Oktoberfest specials, there's something to satisfy every palate. Craving a taste of Thailand without leaving the city? Look no further than Mango Tree Cafe's latest offering, All Day Thai. This exciting menu brings the vibrant flavors of the Land of Smiles to your table, from brunch to dinner.

Chili Crispy Calamari

Green Curry Chicken Noodles

The All Day Thai menu showcases a wide range of Thai classics and innovative creations. Start your day with the Fried Egg Salad, a unique twist on a breakfast staple. For a hearty lunch or dinner, indulge in the Thai Pork with Sticky Rice in Jim Jaew Sauce or the Beef Boat Noodles. If you're craving something a bit spicier, try the Green Curry Chicken Noodles or the Stir-fried Okra with Fermented Fish. And don't forget to save room for dessert with the delightful Coconut and Custard with Sweet Corn.

Fried Egg Salad

Stir-fried okra with Fermented Fish

Drunken Seafood Pasta

Must-Try Dishes:

• Chili Crispy Calamari: Tender calamari coated in a fiery chili sauce, perfect for those who love a little heat.
• Stir-fried Okra with Fermented Fish: A unique and flavorful dish showcasing okra's versatility. Yes, I know not everyone eats this slimy veggie. But just give this a try. You might be a convert. It's good for you, it has lots of fiber anyway. 
• Drunken Seafood Pasta: A satisfying pasta dish loaded with fresh seafood and a spicy kick.
• Coconut and Custard with Sweet Corn: A sweet and indulgent dessert that will leave you craving more.
• Fried Egg Salad: This unique twist on a classic salad features a perfectly cooked fried egg, adding a rich and satisfying element to the fresh and vibrant flavors. (I find this really refreshing!)
• Thai Pork with Sticky Rice in Jim Jaew Sauce: Indulge in the fiery heat of Jim Jeaw sauce, a traditional Thai chili dip, as it complements the tender pork and fragrant sticky rice. (Jim Jeaw, also known as Nam Jim Jeaw is a classic Thai dipping sauce typically used for grilled meats. It's made from fish sauce, lime juice and/or tamarind, sugar, and dried chillies, toasted powder and fresh herbs.) The spicy acidity, with toasted rice aroma and fresh herbs makes it the perfect thing to enhance and balance the richness of the grilled pork. 
• Beef Boat Noodles: This hearty soup is a flavorful fusion of beef, noodles, and aromatic broth, making it the perfect comfort food. This soup reminds me of Pho Bo and it's served with crispy chicken skin on the side that perfectly complements its rich broth. 
• Green Curry Chicken Noodles: Experience the creamy and spicy goodness of green curry, enhanced by the addition of tender chicken and noodles.

Thai Pork with Sticky Rice in Jim Jaew Sauce

Mango Tree Cafe has always been one of my beloved destinations for authentic Thai cuisine, and I am delighted to learn it has recently introduced an array of new dishes to delight your taste buds. From comforting classics to innovative creations, their latest offerings are sure to elevate your dining experience.

Beef Boat noodles with chicken skin

Beef Boat Noodles with broth

Coconut Custard with Sweet Corn

Oktoberfest Delights

As the leaves change and the festive spirit of Oktoberfest fills the air, Mango Tree Cafe has curated a special menu of classic bites and Thai-inspired cocktails to celebrate.

Appetizer Platter

• Appetizer Platter: A feast for the senses, this platter showcases a variety of delectable appetizers, including sweet fried potatoes, salted egg chicken skin, green mango salad, Thai vegetable spring rolls, and chicken satay.
• Thai-Inspired Cocktails: Sip on refreshing and flavorful cocktails like the Mah Kwan Cucumber Sour and Mah Kwan Watermelon Spice, expertly crafted with Thai ingredients.

Whether you're a seasoned Thai food enthusiast or seeking to explore new culinary horizons, Mango Tree Cafe's latest offerings are sure to impress. Visit their restaurant today and experience the vibrant flavors of Thailand, elevated to new heights.

The entire foodie group was invited by Mango Tree Cafe to try their latest food offering. Photo credit: Jenna De Dios

While you're there, please also try to order my favorite Minty Lemonade or their signature Thai Iced tea. The minty lemonade is a great palate cleanser. A refreshing twist on a classic, minty lemonade combines the tartness of lemons with the cool, invigorating flavor of fresh mint. The perfect balance of sweet and tangy, this drink is ideal for hot summer days. The addition of mint leaves adds a subtle herbaceous note that complements the citrusy sweetness of the lemonade.   

Minty Lemonade

Thai iced tea, on the other hand, is a beloved Southeast Asian beverage known for its rich, creamy texture and distinctive sweet and slightly bitter flavor. Brewed with black tea and sweetened with condensed milk, Thai iced tea is often served over ice. The combination of flavors is a delightful treat that is both refreshing and indulgent.

Thai Iced Tea

Mango Tree Cafe's elegant ambiance and attentive service make it the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely meal. The restaurant's commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients is evident in every dish. Whether you're a seasoned Thai food enthusiast or simply looking to try something new, Mango Tree Cafe's All Day Thai menu is sure to impress. With its delicious dishes and inviting atmosphere, this restaurant is a must-visit for anyone who loves Thai cuisine.

Purple Plum Fairy with PR lady and good friend, Ms. Gwen Jacinto

Mango Tree Cafe is a casual dining concept that brings comfort food to life through delicious Thai cuisine. You can find Mango Tree Cafe in Trinoma Mall, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, SM Baguio, SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, Greenhills Mall and Gateway Mall 2. 

Michael Jason Ramos and Purple Plum Fairy

There are also Mangro Tree Flagship stores for fine-casual dining in Bonifacio High Street, City of Dreams Manila, and Newport Mall. 

For more information, please contact (02) 7002-1272 or +63991715993204. You may also visit their Facebook Page.

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are my own.