Nara Thai turns one

On trips with her family, Roku Group Inc. president and CEO Sheila Bermudez-Romero makes sure to discover the best-kept culinary secrets a place has to offer. “We are such foodies. We always try the best of the local cuisine,” she says.

Thailand, a country known for its rich flavors, is one destination that Sheila and her family frequent for food adventures.

(Left) Thai Embassy Assistant Defense and Naval Attache Capt. Punnarong Yuthavong. (Right) Thai Trade Center director Khankhanit Amhuprapa.

It was in 2007 when Sheila discovered Nara at the Erawan in Grand Hyatt Bangkok and it has been her family’s go-to restaurant in Bangkok. “Nara is known for its authentic Thai dishes using only quality ingredients and traditional recipes.”

Sheila, who is also behind Japanese food concepts like Roku Sushi + Ramen and Sushi Nori, saw the potential in bringing premium Thai food to the Manila mall scene. The restaurant, a food outlet celebrated in Bangkok for its distinct “Thai in spirit” approach, was the ideal concept to introduce to a culture largely defined by consumers who enjoy dining in malls.

“My vision was to have authentic Thai cuisine in a mall setting. You don’t have to go to a hotel just to get your Thai fix,” Sheila shares.

Chinky Apostol with chefs Robby Goco and Sandy Daza.

In 2018, Nara opened its eighth franchise in Asia at SM Megamall’s Mega Fashion Hall. To ensure that dishes from the restaurant’s Manila kitchen were faithful to the recipes of its original counterparts in Bangkok, the Roku Group Inc. enlisted the expertise of a Thai chef to oversee operations. Local head chefs likewise underwent extensive training and immersions in Bangkok. Since it opened in Manila, the restaurant has also become haven for diners who appreciate good, quality curries.

On the occasion of Nara’s first year in Manila, the restaurant  was awarded the Thai Select, the official seal given by the Thai government to certify and identify restaurants that offer authentic Thai cuisine.

Nara restaurants will open soon in Ayala by the Bay and Greenbelt in Makati City.

(From left) Suki Salvador, Peewee Reyes-Isidro, Ferdi Salvador and Annie Ringor.

(Nara Thai is located at the third floor of SM Megamall Mega Fashion Hall, Mandaluyong City. For reservations, call 637-3860. For more information, visit @narathaiph on Facebook and Instagram.)

Seafood heaven

It was indeed a blessing that I met Dan Koh, the man behind Alaska Prime Seafood, as I get most of my seafood from him.

(Left) Lusso’s chef Margarita Fores (seated) with Alaska Prime Seafood’s Dan Koh. (Right) Lobsters, Irish oysters and caviar from Alaska Prime Seafood.

Alaska Prime Seafood products include live Maine lobster, live king crab, live Gallagher Irish oysters, Tzar Caviar alternative, frozen par-cooked lobster meat, lobster stock and wild-caught Alaskan salmon.

Aside from importation and distribution of premium live seafood, the company also does events and catering, menu and recipe consultation and product training.

Lobster rolls at Lusso by Margarita Fores.

The par-cooked lobsters are so good my mom actually eats them without any sauce! But my favorite has to be those plump, juicy, briny oysters that Dan supplies.

Gallagher’s Irish Premium Oysters is one of the leading processors of oysters based in Tragheanna Bay in Donegal, Ireland. It is a family-owned and -managed business that produces high-quality, award-winning oysters. It takes pride in its ability to provide oysters harvested under the strictest quality control from the clean, cold Irish waters. They are probably one of the best I have ever tasted!

Plump, juicy Irish oysters.

Dan also supplies top restaurants in the Philippines with live seafood since he established his company in 2017.

Do try any of these wonderful products, I guarantee you won’t regret it.

 (For inquiries, e-mail [email protected] or call 0927-4605502 or 397-9717. For more information, visit Alaska Prime Seafood on Facebook.)

For a secure financial future

At the recent Citigold annual Chinese New Year briefing called “Volatility and Opportunities in the Late Stage Bull Market,” it was announced that the bank’s customers can expect better and stronger investment opportunities despite the ongoing global volatility this year.

From Left:Citi CEO Aftab Ahmed, Consumer banking head Manoj Varma, Retail bank head Rene Aguirre, Consumer bank head of sales and distribution Therese Chan and Citicorp Financial Services and Insurance Brokerage Inc. investment product head Ramon Tejero.

Citi consumer banking head Manoj Varma welcomed Citigold clients to the event and said that diversification across asset classes, geographies and strategies is essential during the current period of global volatility.

Citicorp Financial Services and Insurance Brokerage Inc. investment product head Ramon Tejero reported that the Philippine equities market has performed better than fixed income over the last 10 years despite ongoing volatility. But he also said Philippine peso will likely remain weak given pressures on external balances.

Citi believes the Philippine economy will continue on its growth path despite challenges in the global economy.

During the event, Citi retail bank head Rene Aguirre emphasized the importance of the annual economic outlook briefing to help Citigold customers make informed decisions in managing their wealth. He said that continuous innovation, from digital solutions to new investment products, has been a key focus for Citi.

Citigold helps clients grow, manage and protect their wealth and secure their financial future with a team of experts, unmatched research services, world-class products, global access and exclusive privileges and rewards.

(For more information, visit www.citibank.com.ph.)

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(Follow me on Instagram@pepperteehankee.)