BO's Coffee

BOs Coffee originated in Cebu, Philippines. I like hanging around their shops since its usually not crowded. I also find their coffee good and knowing that they source their beans locally, I would like to support it.   

I like the idea that if you dine in, they serve your coffee in mugs. Less trash.  They also serve breakfast-all-day meals and I find the price reasonable.  Plus, the shop  provides free wifi access and free use of their electrical outlet without electrical charge. 


I usually go to their Newport City branch. They even have a meeting room that you can rent with 10 to 20 pax sitting capacity. If I am not mistaken, Newport City branch is open 24-hours or closes early AM.   

Oh they have the best mango cake! Its light, not too sweet and can taste the mango.  I can eat 2 slices in 1-sitting. Though this is not available all-year-round. One thing I noticed about BOs coffee, their desserts changes. I assume its because of the season.

This year, they are turning 15 years with 50 stores located nationwide. They also launched Bo's Coffee 15 and 50 promo. The promo runs every Tuesday and Thursday until July 21, 2011.  From 10:00 am to 3:00 pm (Php15.00 for brewed coffee);  From 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm and 12 mn to 4 am (Php50.00 for all Froccino flavors). 

Love your country, support Philippine business!

You can follow them in facebook http://www.facebook.com/boscoffeeclub and subscribe in their blogs http://blog.boscoffee.com. To check their official website, visit  http://www.boscoffee.com. For inquiries, you can email them inquiries@boscoffee.com

The Cake Planet and Cafe

The Cake Planet and Cafe is a small establishment located inside our subdivision - Better Living.  Looking at it from the outside, its just another coffee shop.  There are a lot of coffee shops inside our village,  I have tried dining to at least 5 coffee shops inside Better Living, I can personally say this is the BEST so far.  The BEST in terms of dessert and coffee.  

What made me try this Cafe is because of their sign "SERVING LAVAZZA COFFEE".  I just love Lavazza Italian coffee. We got to chat with the owner when we were there. He said their coffee maker is one-of-the-few who uses that type of coffee machine. I just love their Frappes. So far I have tried 3: The one with Java chips, white chocolate and mocha. All I highly recommend! :-)

From the love of drinking Lavazza coffee to trying their desserts, this totally changed the "just another coffee shop - mentality" to being a regular customer and even to the point, craving for their cakes.  yum! yum!

The photo shown above is a must-try. They call it Mango Empress (Php140/slice). You won't find this at their dessert window display, since it has to be kept in a freezer.  This is a thicker type of mango torte.  With nuts, chewy meringue crust, and cream. 

For those who wants to indulge in desserts, must-try are: Turtle Pie (Php100/slice), Banoffee Pie, and Macademia Sansrival (Php150/slice).  I am not a chocolate lover, but I enjoyed the taste of the Turtle Pie and to me, its not too sweet. On cheesecake, I have tried the blueberry and white chocolate cheesecake, I think this isn't their specialty.

We learned that they create and make their own cakes, they even supply for other coffee shops and restaurants.  That's why you can order whole cakes by dropping by their store or order in advance to make sure, they have it ready.

They also serve pasta, cookies and sandwiches.  Pasta prices ranges from Php180 to Php250. Cake slices ranges from Php90 to Php150.00. Free WIFI access. Plugging on their electrical outlet has a fee of Php30/hour.

Absolutely a place for sweet lovers who wants to indulge on desserts and coffee!

The Cake Planet and Cafe is located at #91 Dona Soledad Avenue, Better Living Subdivision, Paranaque. Opens daily. Mon to Sat: 1:00 pm to 1:00 am. Sun: 4:00 pm to 11 pm. (In front of Sinangag Express / Boheur / Sieg Restaurant.  There is a PNB-Bicutan branch beside their cafe.). For orders: (632) 621.28.57 or (63915) 449.31.19

Follow them in Facebook The Cake Planet and Cafe

Banoffi Pie

Mango Empress

Marcia Adams' Restaurant, Tagaytay

What makes Marcia Adams' restaurant different is its Tuscany-inspired theme. I have never been to Italy but the bright yellow-orange cement walls, old stones on cement walls, antique cement floor tiles, old-wooden furniture, stained glass windows, wooden door arches and surrounding wild garden made the place picturesque. As I verbally shared to the couple, in every corner of your restaurant, there is an artistic touch. 

The place is run by Neil and Marcia Adams.  Who were both very hospitable and chatty.  I came to know that Marcia is the one cooking and the one who made the flower arrangements. While Neil is the one who is well-versed with the plants & flowers in their garden. The furnitures they are using were also made from within. There is a carpentry shop in the garden. They use old furniture and create a new furniture. They produce on a by order basis.

I am impressed that from the gate entrance we were welcomed by one of their attendants and upon leaving we were accompanied to the gate by the couple themselves.  It gave me the warm-feeling that is like I visited a friend's house.

Even though, personally I think the food is just ok, its the relaxing ambiance especially the warm service by the couple made my dining experience delightful and unforgettable.  Its definitely a place to unwind, relax and bond with your loved ones.  Looking forward to their future expansion and making the restaurant a Bed and Breakfast venue.

Their menu prices ranges from Php700.00 to Php900.00. It includes appetizer, dessert and non-alcoholic drink.  Plus the 10% service charge.  Cash payment only.  Reservations is a must. Contact (63-917) 801.1456

How to get there:  Drive all the way to Tagaytay. Turn right at the Tagaytay Rotonda. Go all the way to Alfonso, Cavite. You will pass Petron, Mushroom Burger, Shell gas station, Total gas station. As you see Residence Inn on your left and the Tagaytay arch with Pineapples with the "Thank You Come Again” (turn right). 

You should see a sign leading to Ville Sommet and other signage there. On that street, look for stone wall with wooden gate (its on the left side of the road)  

Follow them in Facebook  Marcia Adams' Restaurant

Chewy Junior Cream Puff

CHEWY JUNIOR is now in Greenbelt 3, Makati!! :-)

For those who are not familiar with Chewy Junior, it originated in Singapore (That's what I know).  I fell in love with this cream puff snack when I visited my sister in Singapore in 2009. There is a stall at the MRT near her place. You can smell the aroma of their baking and I always see people buying considering its S$1.00 per piece.  I initially tried 1 piece but I have to come back and buy more.  I would buy them in 3s, bring it home and eat 1 piece everyday. 

What makes this cream puff unique  among other cream puff I tried in my life is its crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside.  Then the bread is chewy inside and for me the cream filling is not that sweet compared to how it looks like.  I usually eat 2 pieces in one-sitting but worried of the calories it will give me if I eat more than 2  :-)  Yummy!

Prices: Php45.00 each. You can also buy in boxes. Box of 3s - Php119,00, Box of 6s - Php226, and 12s - Php439.

Aside from their branch in Greenbelt 3, Makati. They have branches in Trinoma, SM Mall of Asia and SM Megamall and SM Cebu. Follow them in facebook. http://www.facebook.com/ChewyJrPhilippines

Lace Cookies

I discovered about Les Chocolateries lace cookies when I was house-sitting at my Aunt's house. The thinness and crispiness of the cookie makes you want to eat more and more.  When you bite it, there is something in the cookie, I couldn't tell if its oatmeal or coconut + the thin spread of chocolate, it just tastes sooo good.  I think I can eat half of the 300g in one-sitting. What more for chocolate lovers?

The Lace Cookies have 3 flavors: white, semi-sweet and dark.  There is a package that you can order all 3 flavors in 1 container. But the DARK is my favorite.  It comes in 2 types of containers: 300g  which costs around Php400+ and 600g at Php600+

If you haven't tried this, its highly recommendable!  Eat them cold. 

Les Chocolateries Lace Cookies is being sold at DON MERTO'S Deli Restaurant. Located at 118A, Upper Ground Floor, The North Wing, SM City, Cebu City.  Tel Nos. +63.32.236.29.34

Felix

I enjoyed my dining experience at Felix. Felix is another restaurant by Chef Florabel.  Its a restaurant I am willing to go back.  Though between Salmon and St Pierre, the St Pierre is a better choice.

As for the dessert, it looks very appealing, though the sweets are "too sweet" for my palette. We had an experience wherein my friends' juice drink tasted bland. We called their attention, and they automatically changed it. Then the server went back to ask if we find it ok already. For me, that is good service.

The photos shown are: St Pierre (Dory) PHp425, Samurai -Kabutoni Style (Salmon) Php499, Marion Php195, Isamu (Crepe Samurai) Php160. 

 

Felix is located at Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati. Tel Nos. +632.729.90.62

Chocolate Fire

Chocolate Fire by its name serves all Belgian chocolate treats. From appetizer, sandwiches, drinks to dessert.  

What I find cute is they have this long glass counter where you can buy on-the-spot chocolate goodies.  Name it they have it - different flavors & variations of belgian chocolate.  From chocolate bars to potato chips, strawberries, cherries, gummy bears, dates, marshmallows, lollipops, frozen banana, they even have cornflakes & popcorn. Its awesome! :-)  The fact that I am not fond of chocolates, it tempted me to try and  proud to say I've been there twice!  For sure this is heaven for chocolate lovers!  The chocolate melts in your mouth - for me the dark chocolate goodies is worth it :-)

Oh they have non-chocolate sandwiches, pasta & coffee/tea in the menu for those who are allergic to chocolates :-)   There is also free wifi access.

  

The photos shown below are: cup of hot chocolate with mallows Php120 + Php20, brown cow float Php150, cheesecake around Php200.00, dipped pringles Php15 each, choc bar Php180/100 grams

Chocolate Fire is located at the G/F PDCP Building. Leviste corner VA Rufino Street (formerly Herrera), Salcedo Village, Makati City. (Its near Starbucks Valero but Herrera is one-way so one should take the route from Makati Sports Club)  Tel Nos. +632.840.FIRE (3473). www.chocolatefire.com  Join them in Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Makati-Philippines/Chocolate-Fire/39912711571

Claudette's

To me Claudette's cheesecake is one the best cheesecake I've tried in my entire life. Well next to Itallianis' cheesecake :-).  Its been 10 years since I first discovered Claudette's desserts. Its actually my therapy if I am having a bad day. Claudette's was just a 5-minute walk from where I used to work.  Just like today, luckily I had an appointment within the area, I can't resist to pass by Claudette's and grab a slice. Their Toblerone cheesecake is my ever-favorite.  Apparently the attendant packed me a Blueberry cheesecake eventhough I ordered Toblerone. I guess she didn't hear me right and I didn't bother to check the package until I reached the house. Ha ha.  

I also highly recommend "Dolly Sin" if you are fond of chocolate flavors. They also serve lunch / dinner meals.

Claudette's location: G/F, Easton Place. Valero Street cor VA Rufino Street. Salcedo Village (It's right beside Starbucks Valero).  Tel Nos. (632) 843.39.96, (632) 843.39.65

Tokyo Café

One thing I noticed about the place is that they have a wide range of desserts - a Variety of ice cream parfaits, crepes, cheesecakes. 

To me Tokyo Cafe by its name is very Japanese yet they serve western food, such as, pasta, sandwich, salad, burgers, pizza and coffee. the  modern ambiance, the all-white concept, and bright lighting which I like, give an aura of class yet it's casual dining.

Tokyo Café  have branches in The Piazza, Mc Kinley Hills in Taguig, SM North, and SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City.

Eat Well! Delicious Kitchen

I love mango sago and almond jelly.  What more if the 2 desserts were combined :).  That's what I've discovered in Eat Well.  They serve Chilled almond jelly with mango sago. First time I tried it.. I had 2 servings in one-sitting and I am craving for more.  he he

Eat Well has 2 branches: 1. Bonifacio Global City. Unit C Ground Level, Net Quad Bldg., 30th-31st St., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila.  2. Greenhills Commercial Center (beside Sugi and Pancake House).

MEAT PLUS CAFE

MEAT PLUS by its name you'd know it means - STEAKS.  If you are a meat lover, you don't wanna miss leaving Subic without dining in this resto since their steak meals are very reasonable.  They even have a refrigerator wherein it says "Choose your own steak. We'll cook it for you" - cooking charge is additional Php100.00

They also have combo meals that ranges from 145 to 200. Its inclusive of soup, side dish, rice/mashed potato and drink. 

I ordered the topsirloin steak and I was happy with my order :-).  I didn't expect I'll be able to finish the whole cut (well I shared a few bites to my colleagues for them to taste my order).  They cooked it nicely, just right even the sauce was just right.  I also like the Cheesecake. Though its quite hard to eat dessert if you just ate a big chunk of steak.  Definitely I'll go back and dine here the next time I visit Subic.

Meat Plus is located in Building 65, Sampson Road, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Olongap. Its beside Royal Subic Duty Free.  I also recommend you to go and shop in Royal Subic Duty Free

Photo above: topsirloin steak 270. photo below: grilled pork spareribs 200 and grilled chicken 185

FIGARO COFFEE

Figaro Coffee is my all-time-favorite coffee.

Knowing that Figaro is an all-filipino-owned company, the more I want to support.  They run a foundation catering to provide training and support to coffee farmers from various provinces around the Philippines (http://www.figarocoffee.com/csr_farmers.html)  

There was actually a period in my life that I would crave for Figaro's blueberry muffin. When I feel sungit for the day, I would step out of the office and buy myself a blueberry muffin.  I love its sweetness and softness and they serve it warm (I wasnt able to take a photo -- will take a photo next time).

One thing I noticed, when they serve your coffee in a cup, they create a design on the foam.  I would look forward to seeing what design it would be next time I order a cup of coffee.

Figaro coffee outlets are WIFI hotspots.  Some outlets requires minimum purchase in order for you to have internet access.

Mocha Espresso Praline - P125

Little Oscar - P105

HAPPY CREAM PUFF

I love cream puffs.... so when I saw a Happy Cream Puff in Makati, I automatically made a stop over and bought some.  Its been awhile since I last bought cream puffs.  I have no idea how much does a cream puff in other stores now costs..

I was taken aback by the prices of their cream puffs. The bite size is P20.00 each --woah. That's why I only bought 5 pieces.  Then I couldn't resist not to try the Strawberry Nama choux since I love strawberries.  

For me, the caramel is still what I prefer compared to sprinkles strawberry petit puff. While the strawberry nama choux looks better than it takes like - I don't know why.  But it adds to the fact that its not the season for strawberries.

Happy cream puffs taste isn't that sweet compared to what it looks like. One will definitely end up having her second...third... fourth... servings. 

 
Prices: Strawberry Nama Choux P110.00; Petit puffs P20.00. You get discounts if you buy at least 10 pcs.

Happy Cream Puff is located along Rada corner Dela Rosa Streets, Makati City. website: http://www.happycreampuff.com/

CAFE ADRIATICO'S CANNONIGO WITH MANGO BALLS

My ever-favorite Cafe Adriatico's (Malate branch) Cannonigo with mango balls. I've tried this in their branches in Araneta Center and Greenbelt 5 (Fely J's) - the one in Malate is the BEST!

They differ on how they make their cream sauce.  Even if they seem to look the same, the one in Araneta Center is less creamy while the one in Fely J's is too watery; they put more caramel.

Cafe Adriatico's Cannonigo with mango balls costs 110.00 (prices are the same in all branches)