For Mom's Day have a Goldilocks' Chocolate Nelusko Cake

Mother’s Day is one of the most important days in the entire year. While other days of commemoration are for big events or religious holidays, Mother’s Day is simply appreciation of the most important women in our lives.

Someone once said that a mother’s heart always knows what the child does not say. Goldilocks, the country’s number one bakeshop, makes it easier for you to show her how much you love her by giving her the Chocolate Nelusko Cake!

A triple-layer chocolate chiffon cake topped with delectable cashew praline, the Chocolate Nelusko is also bedecked with a double row of luxurious chocolate buttercreme icing and dark chocolate ganache drippings. Sweet and soothing, just like Mom’s words to you after a hard day.

Treat your mom right this Mother’s day! Drop by the Goldilocks Branch nearest you or call 888-1-999 for Go-Delivery today! []

Ngiting Mister Donut: Mister Donut sports a brand new smile

Simple joys can be easy to forget when things get hard and the pace becomes more hurried at work, in school and at home. It could be a crazy deadline or a cranky boss stressing you out. Maybe it’s busy mornings and downtown traffic. But however tough the daily grind gets, there should always be room for some cheer.

All it takes is a Ngiting Mister Donut
The country’s leading name in donuts gives you more reasons to smile with Ngiting Mister Donut, the brand’s happy and vibrant new “face.” Taste it in the yummy and colorful array of donuts from filled and frosted to dipped and sprinkled -- all affordable and enjoyable. Experience it as the stores soon sport a new look and product packaging. Each bite will surely turn into a smile at Mister Donut.

Ngiting Mister Donut pertains to the new approach to food, service and the overall Mister Donut experience. People behind Mister Donut worked hard to ensure that everything is done to delight its customers. This can be seen through the new store décor, people and the deliciously innovative products tailored for Pinoys young and old.

All-Day Feel Good Moments
Mister Donut is the perfect snack to keep you company wherever you are. Grab some donuts on your way to work with a hot cup of coffee. Munch it in heavy traffic to lighten the mood. Feeling down and hungry? Bite into a Mister Donut for a quick pick-me-up. For those headed for the beach, grab a box and enjoy it with the barkada. You may spend hours on the road but at least you’ll have fun getting there.

With so many cool ways to enjoy a Mister Donut, here’s another reason to have one -- the new Bavarian Frost. Made with the highest quality ingredients, the Bavarian Frost is filled with mouthwatering Bavarian crème and glazed with your choice of either a rich chocolate, strawberry or vanilla icing. It is the perfect all-day feel good indulgence and a great pasalubong for the family.

So visit Mister Donut today, where a lighter, merrier store awaits. The new shop design boasts of bold and bright colors to complement the courteous crew’s upbeat energy. Donuts are kept and handled in a hygienic manner to ensure total food safety. And with each order comes a Ngiting Mister Donut, a warm and simple gesture that comes straight from the heart.

Catch the Ngiting Mister Donut in malls, markets, bus and jeepney terminals, LRT and MRT stations, 7-Eleven convenience stores, SM Cinema booths, Shell and Petron gasoline stations or any of the more than 1,000 Mister Donut branches found all over the country.

The Real Thing Diner: A Coca-Cola and American dish fan's habitue

The Real Thing Diner's facade

Can't remember exactly when we started collecting Coca-Cola trinkets but we have shelves of "coke happiness" near the kitchen (minus the ones lost while transferring to our new home) and we always have 1.5 liters stocks of Coke.

Some of The Real Thing Diner's Coca Cola collection

Initially found out about this diner that has a Coca-Cola theme (and near our place at that) at a Coca-Cola event also..fancy that!

Ate Fely (cousin) is the top Coca-Cola fanatic among us so long story short, after grocery shopping we just have to try it out even if just for a few bites since it was way over lunch and we have to get back home.

O'l Fashion Spaghetti 'n Meatballs

- their version is sweet, cheesy and has just the right amount of ground meat and meatballs; kids will definitely like this

Chicken Tenders w/ Coca-Cola BBQ sauce and O'l Fashion Spaghetti 'n Meatballs - true to its name it is indeed tender chicken enveloped within a thin, crisp batter and served with the restaurant's signature Coca-Cola barbecue sauce. The sauce has the right amount of tang and chili bite to it.

Their best sellers are their burgers but their dishes with signature sauces (like the intriguing Sprite Spam) are what this foodie will definitely want to try out soon.

Location:
2nd floor, Il Terrazzo, 305 Tomas Morato cor. Sct Madrinan, 1100 Quezon City, Philippines

Phone: (632) 352-4320

Website: http://www.therealthingdiner.com

Dulcinea: Churros con Chocolate and Canonigo

Dulcinea's Churros con Chocolate (Php. 98)

Dulcinea is a family favorite Spanish restaurant for domingo almuerzo or merienda. Whenever we visit, its a must that each meal ends with a sweet dessert with a choice of coffee or tea. And yes, when we crave for it we troop out for our favorite Churros con Chocolate!

A few days ago with foodie friends Leira and Ann, we tried Dulcinea's Canonigo and of course our family favorite, Churros con Chocolate.

Dulcinea's Canonigo (Php. 120)

Dulcinea's Canonigo is (in this foodie's opinion and sugar meter) is good enough for 3-4 persons. True to its Spanish recipe, Dulcinea's version is a delightfully fluffy souffle or meringue (light baked cake made with egg yokes and beaten egg whites) with a generous douse of rich custard sauce.

Dulcinea's Churros con Chocolate is famous because its freshly made, served hot and crisp, non-oily and for its consistent taste. The chocolate dip is reminiscent of childhood home made drink tablea (blocks of cocoa powder purely made from cacao beans) but much thicker and sweeter.

So next time you crave for sweets or dessert, try Dulcinea's Churros con Chocolate and Dulcinea's Canonigo. Paired with coffee or tea and its a sweet cap to any comida!

Dulcinea Tomas Morato branch:
Roadrunner Bldg.
282 Tomas Morato Ave.
Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Phone Number: (63 2) 920-7892 to 93

Californiaberry Tomas Morato branch: A favorite cozy and healthylicious hangout

Californiaberry T. Morato branch's cozy interior

Ice Ice baby Chocolate with bananas and cherries

Californiaberry's Tomas Morato branch is a favoured branch because its near the abode. Just a hop and skip away to a cozy place to have a fill of something deliciously cold, refreshing and healthy.

Yummy mix like a healthy banana split

Ice Ice Baby is Californiaberry's featured summer fare with an array of combination one can choose from plus, the choice to add any topping from sprinkles, choco balls, choco bar pieces, cereals, etc.

Ice Ice Baby Chocolate is low-fat

Only the Californiaberry Original Ice Ice Baby is non-fat and the rest low-fat but either way its healthylicious.

Ice Ice Baby Original with mango and Ice Ice Baby Chocolate with banana (sans cherries like the one on top)

For more information:
www.californiaberry.net or follow them on facebook: CALIFORNIABERRY

For franchising:
(632) 470-1835 or email franchise@californiaberry.net

Nothing like a well-stocked bar: "But don't think we're alcoholics hehe!"

Aunt Sally's well-stocked bar; certain wines stored behind/below the wooden implement and in the dark to keep its quality

Be it Bacardi, Smirnoff, Jack Daniels, Grey Goose, Patron, Tawny Port, Courvoisier, Hennesy, Tequila, Baileys, etc. just name it and the experience-trained mixologist in us will whip it up for you! Either neat, straight up, on the rocks, with club soda, tonic water, juice, cola..or if you prefer, a simple cocktail or shooter instead. Beer, shakers and NAB (non-alcoholic beverages) in the fridge..but that's not fun (agree?).

Back then our dads and uncles especially after dinner, would congregate either on the porch or sala for a few smokes and a nightcap. The seniors usually go for cognac or brandy..long story short, together with a batch of cousins (around 7-ish) had the first taste of an alcoholic drink as per family tradition. "But don't think we're alcoholics!"

As they say, better that you take the first sip from them and see if you like the effect or not (if you'll be traumatized not to drink ever again or if its apparent you'll be needing some guidance someday hehe!). True enough, because of that tradition, we do mind our intake when in public and get silly drunk when we're safe at home instead.

Premium spirits are reserved for special occasions in a glass (usually locked) case

Not an expert just the experience at parties held almost every week since salad days and a short class on Wine 101 so there's more room to learn. Plus, still prefer to use certain spirits with cooking (beef and seafood). Still trying to "build" at least half of that well-stocked bar up there, in case there's need to entertain impromptu and well, it's tradition!

Serenitea Cha Kitchen: Tea mixes and snacks to crave for!

Hokkaido Milk Tea (Php. 85/105), Okinawa Milk Tea (Php. 85/105) and Irish Cream-Tea Latte (Php. 95/110)

Been meaning to try Serenitea since last year (there's a branch near our the abode) but its out of the way. Because of a canceled recovered 70's flick matinee screening, an impromptu trip to Robinsons Place was in order to finally have a go at what people are raving about.

Aside from the buzz about their tea mixes, what aroused this foodie's curiosity is that they are the first in the country to use a customized espresso machine for tea.

Hokkaido and Okinawa Milk Teas are their best sellers and yes, to crave for! The snacks (those tried, pictured below) are yummy too and heaven paired with any of their tea concoctions.

Potato Rounds (Php. 65)

Pepper Sweet Corn (Php. 60)

Chicken Chop (Php. 70)

Location:
Robinsons Place Manila
Adriatico Wing, Robinsons Place Manila
Pedro Gil cor. Adriatico Sts., Ermita
Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines

Manila Scramble: "It's cool to be Pinoy!"

"It's cool to be Pinoy" tag line tickled this foodie's fancy

First taste of Manila Scramble was last year at Robinson's Manila, while rushing for groceries for additional New Year's Eve fare.

Caught this foodie's fancy that the Filipino childhood favorite scramble is now a food cart offering and at a mall at that! Plus its tag line is proud of its origin - Pinoy!

Cornflakes and cereals to top your Manila Scramble

Toppings also available are colorful sprinkles and marshmallows. But this foodie prefers it plain with hefty servings of powdered milk like the original street fare.

Got the tub size of Manila Scramble

Contact Information:
MANILA SCRAMBLE
Tel: 709-3689
Email: franchise@peppermillcorp.com

ARMY NAVY Burger + Burrito: Nibbles and Tea

LiberTea, Onion Rings and Freedom Fries

Straight from an out-of-town day trip together with foodie pals Leira and Ann, tried some nibbles from Army Navy Burger + Burrito Glorietta 5 branch.

Freedom Fries (Php. 60) - Seasoned, thin-cut, crispy, zesty fries

Onion Rings (Php. 60) - Crispy coated fried onions

Libertea (Php. 55/Large) - Freshly brewed iced tea

Army Navy Central Headquarters:
Phone: (+632) 4073181
Telefax: (+632) 4032891
info@armynavyburgerburrito.com

Glorietta 5: Unit 2-024 Level 2, Glorietta 5, Ayala Center, Makati
(02) 501- 3106 (non-delivery)

www.armynavyburgerburrito.com

Kitchen Buddies: Coffee and Liquor Implements

Water Heater, Sturdy Coffeemaker and Electric Wine Cooler

Our family habitually holds parties (almost every week) and the daily menu, the usual epic cooking challenge. Here are some of the kitchen implements (buddies) we have on hand.

Water Heater - pointed this one out at the store because of its many uses. We mainly use this for parties because guests often ask for coffee or tea (the coffee and tea concoctions deserves and will be on a separate post). We also bring it during road trips not just for coffee or tea but for cooking and the security of having safe and boiled water for the whole family.

Sturdy Coffeemaker - Aunt Sally acquired this at David Jones ; it makes use of disposable filters and makes around 4-6 cups of freshly brewed coffee

Electric Wine Cooler - Aunt Sally also acquired this at David Jones; Its an efficient upgrade from the usual ice bucket because wine/liquor stays chilled longer even though amidst melted ice.

Recently had the time to grab a wee but reliable coffeemaker (finally!) - it has a built-in filter, easy to wash/rinse plus it brews coffee (6-8 cups) in no time!

Drip coffee for breakfast or for a quick wake-me-up for the home and office/clinic just a few steps away. With choice coffee beans given by family and friends all waiting in the pantry, freshly grounded (almost everyday if time permits) and enjoyed at last!

Well that's about it. Will post about our coffee and tea habits soon!

Californiaberry's Summer Treats: Ice Ice Baby and Yogurt Fruit Blends

Californiaberry's Ice Ice Baby (Original Non-Fat Flavor) (Php. 65)- non-fat thinly shaved ice cream base with creamy syrup topped with your choice of fruit slices or chocolate sponge; top favorite!

Californiaberry's Ice Ice Baby (Strawberry Low Fat Flavor) (Php. 65) - low fat thinly shaved ice cream base with strawberry syrup topped with your choice of fruit slices or chocolate sponge

Californiaberry's Banana Rama Fruit Blend (Php. 120) - a smashing yogurt drink with a combo of kiwi and mango; top favorite!

Californiaberry's Doubleberry Fruit Blend (Php. 120) - strawberry and blueberry combo yogurt drink for a good dose of vitamin c; brought home to sip while watching the telly

Californiaberry uses brown recyclable bags for certain take outs..jolly two thumbs up!

For more information:
www.californiaberry.net or follow them on facebook: CALIFORNIABERRY

For franchising:
(632) 470-1835 or email franchise@californiaberry.net

Californiaberry: Now serves 100% Organic Coffee for a quick and healthy pick-me-up

Californiaberry's Organic Coffee (Php. 85)- 100% organic with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals but gives quite a punch! A perfect pick-me-up drink which can also aid in losing weight.

Surprise! Californiaberry now serves certified USDA 100% organically grown coffee. Indeed one of the healthy alternatives to commercially available brews in the metro. At only P85, it surprises with quite a punch!

A must-try not only for coffee fanatics but for the health conscious as well.

Grab a cup of Californiaberry's Organic Coffee for a quick and healthy pick-me-up now!

For more information:
www.californiaberry.net or follow them on facebook: CALIFORNIABERRY

For franchising:
(632) 470-1835 or email franchise@californiaberry.net

Californiaberry: Now serves an array of healthy and delicious pasta!

Seafood Alfredo - no scrimping on seafood ingredients - top favorite!

Hear ye! Californiaberry has expanded their menu to include healthy pasta dishes and every dish is delicious..kid you not!

Bolognese and Seafood Alfredo

Bolognese - hearty-filling, beefy goodness and tomato sauce combo

Lasagna - cheesy layers of goodness perfectly baked

Carbonara - light cream sauce with sprinkles of bacon for that crunch

For more information:
www.californiaberry.net or follow them on facebook: CALIFORNIABERRY

For franchising:
(632) 470-1835 or email franchise@californiaberry.net

Borough Podium New York Comfort Food: Chips and Dip

Simple cravings like chips is what everyone loves but aside from those that you pop out of a can or home-made, this is a must-try.

Had a taste of Borough Podium's chips recently and it was truly memorable..like being transported to a New York hangout for a bit of comfort snack!

It's light, crispy, not oily, seasoned just right and complimented with a dip that's not overpowering. Try it out soon!

Location:
Ground Floor, The Podium Mall (beside Gloria Maris)
Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Tel. No. 570-8906

Areatas Pizza: "Philippines Finest Name in Pizza"

Areatas Pizza is one of our favorite snacks-to-go especially because their main branch is located along E. Rodriguez Avenue, right by St. Luke's Medical Center's food joints.

Everything is freshly made from scratch like your regular pizza on the block but the taste brings back childhood memories. The crisp, sweet and cheesy tomato combo Filipinos truly love.

For deliveries and catering:
353-6473