The New Cheez Whiz Burger Flavor..burgerlicious!

*(Thank you KRAFT for this delicious surprise delivered straight to my doorstep..its definitely yummy!)

If you are craving for a burger treat you don’t have to leave home to do so. You can experience that yummy cheeseburger taste with the new Cheez Whiz Burger flavor!

Its fortified with Calci-3, a nutrient bundle made up of Calcium, Vitamin D and Phosphorous.

*Available in supermarkets and sari-sari stores nationwide for only:

P5.00/15g

P41.82/110g

P69.00/200g

The Bar..Online soon!

The Bar Online..coming soon!

(http://www.thebar.com.ph/)

Krispy Kreme’s US Original MINIs

Every little thing Krispy Kreme does is magic – and their latest Mini doughnuts prove it well! Krispy Kreme’s US Original MINIs are here in the Philippines and it was awarded as the official doughnut partner of the MINI Cooper.

With every bite packed with the rich, trademark melt-in-your-mouth flavor, you’ll truly be spellbound by Krispy Kreme’s newest mini indulgence. Be deliciously mesmerized by all 11 flavors; 7 from original existing flavors: Glazed Toffee Crunch, Glazed Chocolate & Almonds, Glazed Strawberry, Glazed Peanut Butter, Glazed Blueberry, Glazed Chocolate Marble, Glazed Vanilla with Sprinkles. 4 from the Mini Cooper Minis: Glazed Mini Cooper (White Chocolate), Glazed Mini Convertible (Lemon), Glazed Cooper S (Bubblegum), Glazed Mini Clubman (Chocolate)

So, get a box of 20 for P299 and be enchanted as the newest Krispy Kreme Minis proves its “Mini size, big taste”

*Krispy Kreme has been making Filipinos happy since 2006, when they opened the first branch in Bonifacio High Street . Since then, it has spread to branches in Greenhills (drive-thru), Trinoma, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, Ayala Avenue, Robinsons Galleria, Gateway Mall, Glorietta 4, SM City Annex (North EDSA), Annex 2 SM Fairvew, Eastwood, Marquee Mall and SM San Lazaro. Call 0917-8053000 for MINI parties and special function needs.

The Good Earth Tea Room

Last February 18, I had the chance to meet The Good Earth Tea Room’s business partners. This fusion restaurant (Chinese and Western influences) was renovated around October last year and now has a more laid back and more tempting ambiance. Chef Henry Cheung’s training in Hong Kong and travels gives an innovative and refreshing twist to traditional dishes.

The Good Earth Tea Room with a new look

The Good Earth Tea Room’s Choice Appetizers and Specialties

Ms. Sonja Ocampo and her business partner

Duckquitos – a version of the popular Tex-Mex taquito, made up of roast duck with white sauce and black sesame seeds still in the traditional taco shell (P215)

Tunaquitos - a cleansing dish of raw tuna with spring onions served in a taco shell with white sauce and wasabi (P215)

Lily On The Pond - a delectable steamed dimsum made of a mix of vegetables and prawns in a spicy curry and white coconut cream sauces (P210)

Lobster Balls (P440)

Shantung Spicy Chicken (P390)

Beef With Broccoli (P395)

Spareribs with Mandarin Orange Sauce (P370)

Popoy’s Delight Steamed Fish Fillet with Ham (P395)

Garupa in Sweet and Sour Sauce (P440)

*Each item are inclusive of EVAT

*For inquiries and reservations, you may contact the Good Earth Tea Room Greenbelt at Tel. No. (02) 757-4561 to 62

My "Asparagus Hugged by Bacon" With "Cream -Zing" Dip

Asparagus Hugged by Bacon with Cream-Zing Dip

A couple of months ago we had our annual reunion with close family friends. Its a potluck party but as usual each one of us aside from purchased food fares, presented a personal dish or two. Steamed Stuffed Bangus, Fresh Salad Greens with French Dressing topped with Dill and Alfalfa, etc. were a few of my former presentations aside from my designated post every party: hors d'ouvres, cheese & fruit platter and coffee brews.

Let's cook:

In preparing the asparagus, you may not use a knife when trimming the stalks. A quick snap and you'll know that what remains is the fresh part. Briefly blanch the asparagus, wrap by threes (or it depends how thick the asparagus' are and your preference for bacon) in bacon strips then quickly pan fry in a non-stick pan with a bit of olive oil until the bacon is crisp.

Dip:

As for the dip, you may purchase one at the grocers' (sour cream, hollandaise, etc.) or prepare your own with a cup of chilled all purpose cream with a dollop of mustard or julienned garlic. Add some lemon juice, a dash of salt and white pepper or cayenne pepper for some zing.

Aside from the fact that its easy to do, its also one way to convince the kids to eat some veggies plus they can also help prepare it.

Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake

My Bowl of Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake

A few weeks ago I discovered we have Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake in the fridge for about a couple of days already from a Dairy Queen staff/branch. Of course my family had their slices ahead and told me that they really liked it. I decided to sample a slice with a cup of coffee after dinner.

Its not too sweet nor too chocolaty either, the cherries are crisp and juicy, the whip cream is not heavy; a balance of flavors plus its not just a cake, its an ice cream cake! (soft serve, layered with cold fudge and a cookie crunch and homemade)

Its great for celebrations or keep one in your fridge for those moments of cravings. I really relished every bite and will definitely consider it during potlucks and family gatherings.

*www.dairyqueen.com.ph

Pasta Buffet Tuesdays at Pen Pen's Resto

Unlimited pasta. Seven sauces. All for you!

@ only P250!!! For groups of four (4), promo available @ P235/pax!!!

TINAPA FLAKES
ALIGUE
Pesto Veggie
Marinara (Seafood)
Puttanesca (Tomatoes)
Carbonara
Meatball

EVERY TUESDAY @ PenPen’s!

*PenPen’s Restaurant is located at 105-C Sct. Castor, Brgy. Laging Handa, QC

The White Hat Italian Frozen Yogurt: Celebrity for Charity with The Ateneo Blue Eagles

*(photo credits: www.iamnicely.com)

*(additional material: The White Hat)

Last Saturday, February 13, 2010, I had an invite for an advocacy event from blogger-friend Mee-I Velasco, so from two events at The Fort..trooped to Shangri-la, Makati. I remember last year Cosplay princesses Alodia and Ashley Gosengfiao graced their charity cause too..all in cosplay frocks mind you!

From 1 to 5 pm the ATENEO BLUE EAGLES teamed-up with AHON (Acts of Hope for the Nation) FOUNDATION and THE WHITE HAT (TWH) – Italian Frozen Yogurt and showed their support for Filipino public school students. They funds by selling & serving authentic Italian frozen yogurt at The White Hat’s Shangri-la Plaza Branch. TWH donated half of the entire day’s sales to AHON FOUNDATION who, in turn will use the money to build more libraries for public schools to raise literacy rates among the poor.

AHON’s mission is to inspire future leaders of our country by making sure they are literate. AHON has already helped build 30 libraries, the latest one in Pateros (Sto. Rosario Elementary School) which luckily escaped the wrath of ONDOY.

A Pre-Valentine’s Day with The White Hat!

Also last Saturday, February 13, 2010, Warner Bros. and The White Hat had a Valentine’s Day flick screening at Shangri-la Cineplex, Cinema 1. I already had the chance to watch said flick courtesy of Warner Bros. also just a few days before so I decided to give the two tickets away. If my schedule permitted, I would have watched it all over again but the family has rescheduled the trip to Chinatown that day.

Thank you White Hat..’til next time!

Share the Sweetness with Toblerone Pilipinas

Valentine’s may be over but you can still spread the sweetness with TobleronePilipinas! Of course, its the official site of Toblerone Philippines and there are exciting contests and games there.

So what are you waiting for..click on http://www.toblerone.com.ph/ now!

Make It Your Drink Mondays at Starbucks

Beat the Monday blues or manic Mondays with this great news! Every Monday’s MAKE IT YOUR DRINK MONDAYS! So go to your nearest Starbucks store and get your free shot/syrup

Starbucks Coffee Tasting Seminar: Guatemala Casi Cielo and Caffe Verona

“Coffee”, just that word and I’m hooked! A “Love”-ly person e-mailed and reserved slots for me and my sister for a delightful coffee tasting seminar at Starbucks last weekend. They featured Guatemala Casi Cielo and Caffe Verona plus the company’s commitment to ethically source coffee through Shared Planet.

*Guatemala Casi Cielo - smell: floral, cocoa; taste: lemon acidity, smooth body, dark cocoa finish; mouth feel comes from the cocoa-powder texture that coats the tongue characteristic of the Antigua Region; an elegant coffee which complements sweet desserts, herbs and cheeses.

*Cafe Verona - roasty, sweet; low acidity, full body; a blend of coffees from four farms in the Antigua Region; complex and a multi-region blend (Latin America and Asia/Pacific with Italian Roast; a post-roast blendto bring out all the four coffee flavours.

*Shared Planet - (2008) is focused on three key ideas: Ethical Sourcing, Environmental Stewardship and Community Involvement; the company’s way to share their Global Responsibility efforts with their customers.

Needless to say my sister and I really enjoyed every bit of the seminar and have showed intent for the next seminars (another one as early as te first week of March). So for coffee lovers, new coffee drinkers or just simply foodie peeps..check out the Starbucks Coffee Seminars at a branch near you!

Krispy Kreme’s Valentine doughnuts 2010

At last night’s “Valentine’s Day” press screening, Kripy Kreme shared the sweetness with their limited edition Valentine doughnuts – heart-shaped confections with the trademark mouthwatering flavor – as you enjoy Krispy Kreme-approved movie for this love season: the Hollywood hit Valentine’s Day. Starring Oscar award- winning actress Julia Roberts and heartthrobs Ashton Kutcher and Jessica Alba, you’ll surely fall in love with this story about how Valentine’s Day means differently to a lot of people.

Krispy Kreme awarded as the official doughnut & coffee partner of Valentine’s Day movie offers the new Heart Shaped doughnut with Hershey’s Kisses chocolate starting February 4. Plus! All your favorite doughnut varieties come heart shaped from February 8 to 14 – New York Cheesecake, Hershey’s Dark Chocolate, Hershey’s Cookies & Cream, Peanut Butter & Kreme, Blueberry Cheesecake, Snickers Classic, Chocolate Custard Filled, Chocolate Kreme Filled, Sugar, Caramel Kreme Crunch and Chocolate Iced With Sprinkles, share a dozen for only P365 – And while you indulge with Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, pair your confections with the warm Krispy Kreme Signature Coffee, available at 2 cups for only P110

So go ahead and revel in the romance with Krispy Kreme this Heart Month!

Krispy Kreme has been spreading the sweetness here in the country since 2006, when they opened the first branch in Bonifacio High Street. Since then, they have brought their sweet delights to branches in Greenhills, SM Mall of Asia, Trinoma, SM Megamall, SM San Lazaro, Ayala Avenue, Robinsons Galleria, Gateway Mall, Glorietta 4, SM City Annex (North EDSA), Annex 2 SM Fairvew, Eastwood, Marquee Mall. Log on to www.krispykreme.com.ph to get updates.

It’s Valentine’s week at Blacksoup Cafe + Artspace

Blacksoup Cafe + Artspace is located at: Unit G, Maginhawa Bldg., 154 Maginhawa St. Sikatuna Village, Quezon City

Click here for the Map

*feb 12, friday, 7 pm film screening of “once” (from ireland)

*feb 13, saturday, “eat all you can pasta buffet + set meals”, dinner time, lunch open for regular meals

*feb 14, sunday, “eat all you can pasta + set meals”, dinner time with screening of wong kar wai’s “blueberry nights”, stars norah jones and jude law

Wheatgrass Juice

Easy Pha-max has wheatgrass products plus their website www.wheatgrasscan.com is a good source of information. Everything from clinical studies, common illnesses and wheatgrass history and health benefits Cleanse, Alkaliza and Nourish:CAN).

Red Ribbon’s Chocolate Heaven

I got another invite (my third) for Red Ribbon’s Original Cakes launch. The invite hinted that its made of chocolate..but the taste, “heaven” is an apt description as in! This new moist chocolatey concoction (brownie, mousse, icing and curls) is surprisingly not so sweet, yet still addicting. Red Ribbon’s Chocolate Heaven is perfect paired with any of Red Ribbon’s Hot Brews, as a gift or foodie fare for Valentine’s Day..but its offered for a limited time so dash to your favorite Red Ribbon store now!

Click here for: RR Hot Brews Campaign Radio Commercial

Red Ribbon's Roses and Kisses Cake

At the launch for Red Ribbon’s “Chocolate Heaven cake I also had the chance to bring home their Valentine’s cake for this year: Roses and Kisses. It’s a pound cake with chocolate chip filling, topped with sugar roses and Hershey’s Kisses. Valentine’s day sweetness overload much ei..however, please place your order at your favorite Red Ribbon store before Feb. 9 if you want to place a sweet message.

My Aubergine Restaurant and Patisserie experience

Salmon and Proscuitto with Quail Eggs Breakfast / Lobster with Salad Greens and Asparagus with Ripe Mango Sauce

Ripe Guave Sorbet / Medium Rare Beef and Foie Gras with Baby Potatoes

Fruit Medley ala mode with Crunchy Peanut Brittle

For Seasons Punch

Christmas time and reunions galore: shopping, partying, going around the city with Balikbayan relatives..will definitely recommend Aubergine Restaurant and Patisserie at The Fort. “Aubergine” is the French word for “Eggplant” (Solanum melongena), a large, heavy vegetable, usually pear-shaped and dark-purple.

Their Foie Gras (I know, I’ve avoided it since my last taste because I deplore the production technique) is what I’m craving for! Do check out this restaurant with your family and friends, reservations recommended.

*Address:

32nd and 5th Building
5th Avenue cor. 32nd Street Fort Bonifacio 1634 Taguig Philippines

www.aubergine.ph

For reservations, e-mail the restaurant at dine@aubergine.ph or call [63] 02 856 9888.

PARKING:

1. Parking below 32nd and Fifth building behind HSBC
2. Open parking space across Bridgestone Tires building

FREE Wi-Fi for the first 45 minutes with any purchase at Delifrance

FREE Wi-Fi for the first 45 minutes with any purchase at Delifrance!

Available at Delifrance Roosevelt, Podium, C5 Libis, Valero, and Insular Life Building

Visit http://www.delifrance.com.ph for the Café Directory.

Goodles Peppersalt: The Good Noodles

Everybody loves to eat pasta—from kids to adults. Currently, to get a really good pasta dish, people would have to get a table from a casual or fine dining establishment with a sit down atmosphere and wait for about 20 minutes to be served. *What I rave about aside from their delicious Salsa Rossa Shrimp pasta and generous servings is the fact that their packaging is so convenient for take-out.

Prices of pasta would be medium to high, from about P200 to P400. Goodles aims to be the first to sell the same restaurant quality pasta in a more casual environment, allowing consumers to get their order fresh and at the same time, fast. The goal is to convey to consumers that they can have the same delicious experience on-the-go, without losing much time from their busy schedule. Bottom line is they want people to convert to pasta as their meal of choice by addressing the demand for a filling, healthy and delicious meal at a moderate price and making it accessible and very easy to eat.

Goodles is an urban noodle-to-go shop offering delicious, healthy and filling meals in the form of unique pasta creations. Each order comes in an easy-to-eat packaging that will encourage consumers to eat pasta, anytime, anywhere—while inside the office, the movie house, in the car or while walking around the mall. Its the alternative to greasy and high calorie fast-food burgers and fries. With Goodles, you can get a delicious and freshly-cooked pasta dish in the same amount of time!

The menu of Goodles focuses on pasta dishes with a variety of sauces, inspired mostly by traditional Italian cuisine, but will also include a fusion of other cuisines. The variants that they offer are not the usual you would see in any Italian restaurant because they really want to offer unique combination to give diners more fun food choices. Crowd favorites include the Moroccan Beef variant which is a chunky beef sauce simmered in a mix of secret spices, the Spinach Pesto which gives the traditional pesto sauce a unique twist and the Salsa Rossa Shrimp which fuses together tomato and cream for those who want the best of both worlds.

*The first branch of Goodles is at the 4/F Robinsons Galleria near Movieworld. The store features a modern, hip interior with a friendly atmosphere that will also allow customers to sit down and enjoy their order. Search for Goodles on Facebook to be updated with the latest promos and store openings.