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

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

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

Chef Laudico Bistro Filipino

I've heard about this place for years.  Finally, I experienced dining in Chef Laudico Bistro Filipino ;-)   My friends, Schel and Janzen, celebrated their son’s baptism there.

We had the brunch buffet which  is offered on weekends.  The set-up is you order from the menu and they’ll prepare it for you. They serve it fine-dining style (just look at my photos).  It's best to order 3-5 dishes from the start so that they are served one after the other.  Be careful, as the policy is clean-plate and no sharing.


I really loved the food! I tried the 3 kinds of mango salad (which is my favorite), Sisig basket, Prito Trio, Angus Roast Beef with Tomato Salsa Pandeninis, Paella Stuffed Squid, Wagyu and Lengua Estofado, Calamari with Crab Roe, US Angus Beef Karekare. Next time I think I’ll skip the pandeninis  so I can try other dishes.  The bread  came in  4 pcs (quite heavy). And for dessert, Banana Q Tart and Deconstructed Sans Rival.  I was sad  as they ran out of Maja Blanca cheesecake as I was about to have some. ;-(  Next time.





The taste is distinctive. I am not a cook so I really can’t tell exactly. It tastes somewhat like sampalok or calamansi? The brunch buffet is perfect for people like me who love to eat and eat in style. Ha, ha. Definitely I would love to go back.  I recommend the 3-mango salad.   It’s best to make a reservation.

Chef Laudico Bistro Filipino is located at Ground Floor net 2 Building, 3rd Avenue, Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. (You’ll see Siemens sign on top of the building).Tel Nos. 856.06.34 or 856.05.41.  Mobile 0917800CHEF (2433). Website http://www.cheflaudico.com.ph

ARISTOCRAT RESTAURANT

Ever since I was a kid, there will be occasions when my papa would bring us to Aristocrat Restaurant located aloing Roxas Blvd.

I noticed that the place always have customers even if you visit wee hours of the morning. Hee hee, well, we usually go there during those hours.  I also noticed that they usually have diners who are Balikbayans. 

We have been going back to that branch for more than 20 years. For me, its taste has never been changed over the years. There are days that I would crave for its barbecue chicken PLUS its java rice and java sauce.  Just like when I recently attended the Ad Congress in Subic, upon seeing the signage of Aristocrat, I told my colleagues we really need to dine there since I am now craving for it.  Which we did! :-)  (this photo was taken in Aristocrat Restaurant in Subic)

I browsed and they have a website -- http://www.aristocrat.com.ph though if you want to see their updated menu, you can view it in http://food.clickthecity.com

CAFE JUANITA

I've heard of Cafe Juanita through a friend and read it from OAP's blog.  Today,  I had a chance to try their new restaurant located in Burgos Circle, Fort.  This is actually its 2nd branch.  When we chatted with the waiters - they said that the owner of the first branch (located in Kapitolyo Pasig) is a part-owner of this branch.

I love its ambiance!  I love its shabby-chic concept! Cozy and relaxing. I think I can sit there for hours and chat... chat... chat... :).  The food is good too!  We tried the filipino dishes - they recommended the Bagnet and Kare-kare. 

I also noticed that there are price tags on some of its decors.. When I peeked on the price of one of the shawls hanging it showed Php3,000 --yikes! Well it has a unique craftsmanship :). It definitely targets the upper market. :)

This is the restaurant that I'll definitely visit again :)

Cafe Juanita is located in Burgos Circle, Forbestown Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. (From Rizal Drive, you turn at 29th street)

Cafe Juanita menu (hand painted). Vietnamese Spring rolls P220 (7 pcs)

Bagnet Salad P310. Cafe Juanita Ceasar Salad P275.  Kare-kare P495. Steamed Rice P45/cup. Ice Tea - bottomless P67. SMB Pilsen Light P65.

MAGPANTAY'S CATERING

I never get disappointed with Magpantay's catering. The catering is owned and run by Mr. Alvin Magpantay. Even though the owner is my kumpare (his wife - Carol is a very good friend of mine back from our Ayala Life days), I admire his cooking skills. As a matter of fact, he never had any formal training in cooking - its all talent and hobby.

We threw a despedida party for "some" of my team members who are leaving the company. Since me and my boss is sponsoring, this gave me the opportunity to order from Alvin :-).  We were actually ordering last minute - he doesn't want to accept orders anymore.  But when Alvin learned it was me ordering, he accommodated us :-).  * grin * grin *

They provide full-catering set-up to parties and events around Metro Manila. Though they also accept orders even just for lunch deliveries. Alvin Magpantay Catering: 831.6346; 0920.294.9234. Email: magpantayab@yahoo.com.ph

Photos: Grilled Chicken Terriyaki 30 pcs. 1,300.00; Pandan puto cake 7.00 each; Pansit Bihon (good for 20 -25 pax) 820.00 - the pansit bihon was quite a size. I think its actually good for 45 to 50 pax.  Chicken Fingers 800.00 (good for 12-16 pax), Spaghetti Bolognese 600.00, Fettucini Carbonara 580.00


03.05.2010: Posting more photos... this time we tried chicken fingers, fettucini carbonara, spaghetti bolognese, and garlic bread

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)