Ping Pong Diplomacy at SM Aura

We headed to SM Aura last month to dine at Ping Pong Diplomacy at my friend's request. She said it was new and wanted to try it out. Hubby and I haven't heard about this place yet and when she said it was Chinese food, I immediately thought about yang chow fried rice and sweet and sour pork dishes. Boy was I wrong... in a good way!

Winter Woodland Christmas at SM Aura

I swear, the Christmas display at SM Aura this year is seriously one of the nicest I've ever seen! I literally gasped when we walked by since it was so pretty!

Crate & Barrel (SM Aura)

I got a chance to finally check out American retail brand and home furnishing store Crate & Barrel earlier this month at their latest branch in SM Aura. The one in SM Megamall has been open since November last year.

SM Aura branch

NIU by Vikings at SM Aura

Finally got a chance to check out NIU a few weeks ago with some friends. We were originally supposed to eat at Vikings in SM BF but decided to see what the difference was.

nicely decorated interiors (love those white chairs)

very European feel

rooms for larger groups or private functions (named after European countries)

With regards to food, there were definitely more choices. There were also stuff that I didn't see in other Vikings restaurants, like caviar, foie gras, sake, gelato (in short, mga sosy food lol). Anyway, I'll just let all the pics do the talking. :)

cold cuts

appetizers including caviar and a wider selection of cheese

Niu definitely has more MEAT to choose from!

And I love how they plate the food from the grilling station and bring it to your table.

Of course, the best part according to the boys was the drinks. Everything was already included in the cost like wine, sake, and imported beer. Cheers!

There were the usual fruits, cakes, and pastries for dessert, but there was also yogurt and gelato instead of ice cream. But we were so full na from all the food that I could only manage one scoop of chocolate gelato hehe. ;p

The price of the buffet was definitely much more expensive. We ate during dinner so we ended up paying around P1500 per person. But honestly, I don't think I'll eat here na again unless someone will treat me hehe. Kasi parang hindi naman sulit sakin coz I didn't get to eat that much. I think pwede na sa regular Vikings where you'll spend half the price and still get to eat good food. :)

NIU by Vikings
6th Flr. SM Aura Premier
478-3888, 847-3888, 0917-586-6888, 0919-999-6888
Website: niu.ph
Facebook: www.facebook.com/niubyvikings

Todd English Food Hall

I just hate it when I eat somewhere, take pics, then completely forget to blog about it. It's been happening a lot lately, especially the past few months which were really hectic for me. Only now when I'm sorting through my files do I find folders with forgotten photos. Well, sayang naman so might as well still share them while I have the time... And I still have so many other posts to do like Skyler's supplier ratings and our Hong Kong trip!

Anyway, we had a family dinner in Todd English Food Hall in SM Aura a while back. It was my first time to eat there and I have to say, it was worth the wait for me.

The place is huge and almost every table was occupied when we dined there. Definitely make a reservation especially during weekends. I believe there are 9 different cooking stations where all the food is prepared from scratch right in front of you.

Since this was a family dinner, everybody just ordered what they wanted and I got to try a little bit of everything. And it was all DELICIOUS! From the pizza, pasta, and of course the meat! Just take a look at these pics

Parmesan Fries
(P140)

CLASSIC BURGER
Freshly home ground 4 cut meat burger pattie, Tomato, Iceberg Lettuce, Mustard Relish, T.E. Sauce, cheddar cheese on a toasted home made Brioche Bun
(P300)

BRONX BOMBER
Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella Cheese, Pepperoni, Caramelized Onion, Parmesan Cheese, Parsley
(P490)

FIG & PROSCIUTTO
Fig Jam, Gorgonzola, Rose Mary, Prosciutto, Scallions
(P530)

RIGATONI BOLOGNESE
(P275)

ROASTED PUMPKIN RAVIOLI
(P220)

SEARED SCALLOPS
Silky leek puree, roasted potatoes, lime butter sauce and roasted walnuts
(P620)

T.E. CLAM BAKE
Fresh Clams & Mussels in saffron broth with corn, potato and crusty bread
(P340)

T.E. PORK CHOP
2 day brined Double boned french Chops served with wilted greens & Potato Gratin & Demi-glace sauce
(P430)

HOME MADE CURED BACON
Lightly smoked home made cured Bacon served with squash puree, tomato sauce
(P450)

U.S. HANGER STEAK
w/ roasted bone marrow
(P590)

But the best part was definitely dessert. I was so full already but I'm glad I was able to taste the OMG Chocolate Cake, which was a molten chocolate cake topped with milo cereal crumble. Truly an oh-em-gee moment indeed! I swear, I would go back and eat here again just for this! One of the best chocolate desserts I have ever had. :)

TODD ENGLISH FOOD HALL

5th level, Skypark SM Aura Premier, Taguig City

Facebook: Todd English Food Hall Manila