First Sip: Nord's Bread Hub

Walking around any SM mall could be a dizzying experience. With each SM branch never seem to be running out of shoppers, I always find myself searching for a coffee shop to take a break. And one Wednesday, I found a great spot.

Hello, Nord's Bread Hub. 

This bread shop has been around for quite some time in SM North Edsa. I've always been curious with its offerings and how it compares with other establishments like Bread Talk and Kumori. However, I'm always full whenever I pass by and don't find motivation to buy a bread or two just to try it out. One afternoon though, I was looking for a place to grab a quick drink and figured to check out Nord's Bread Hub's Iced Green Tea Latte (PHP165).

First Sip: M&S Café

Marks & Spencer has been known as one of the major British multinational retailers offering quality garments, body care and snacks. But it was during my random hunt for a cold drink when I discovered that Marks & Spencer also has a café.

Hello, M&S Café.

I got excited when I found out that Marks & Spencer is no longer just a bakery but a café with a wide selection of beverages.

New Favorite: Kumori's Premium Cheese Loaf

Kumori is my default store when it comes to Hanjuku Cheese, dinner rolls and krones. The brand definitely lives to its tagline "bite into clouds" with its soft and fluffy baked goods. And its Premium Cheese Loaf was just as heavenly. 

Hello, Kumori. 

I find fluffy bread irresistible and Kumori's Premium Cheese Loaf (PHP160) is a dream come true. Each bite was indeed soft and flavorful with its buttery taste and cheese bits. 

First Bite: Kumori's Earl Grey Hanjuku Cheese

I love it when Kumori launches new products or flavors to celebrate its new store openings. And last month, it launched Earl Grey Hanjuku Cheese in line with its Ayala Cloverleaf branch opening and its limited delivery service for the holiday season.

Hello, Kumori.

Thanks to the loving people behind Kumori, I was one of the first to try its newest Hanjuku flavor last month. I was very excited to it after hearing that it's based on one of my favorite drinks.

Love at First Bite: Kumori's Ube Hanjuku Cheese

I always look forward to a Kumori branch opening as it always mean that a new product will launched. I went crazy over the apple cheese tarts which was released during the opening of Kumori's Robinson's Manila. The lovely crunch of the apple bits, creamy cheese tart filling and cinnamon on top made this an addicting snack. And when Kumori launched its Ube Hanjuku Cheese in celebration of its SM Mall of Asia store, I promised myself that I will swing by and try it asap. But given that SM MOA is in a faraway land, it took me a long time before I managed to drop by.

Hello, Kumori!

Unfamiliar with SM Mall of Asia, I asked several guards its exact location. And I was pointed to different areas. One of the guards said that it's on the second floor while another said it's on the ground floor. One said to turn left while another told me to go straight. In short, I ended up circling the main mall for two hours. (And I ended up spending a few thousands at Forever 21.)

Love at First Bite: Kumori's Apple Cheese Tarts

Kumori and I didn’t have a smooth relationship. I still recall my first visit which was love at first bite. Those Hanjuku cheese cakes were delectable and definitely worth lining up for. My second visit was great too with the delectable (but messy) krones. But my third visit where I had the raved cheese tarts was not as great as my first and second Kumori visits. Its improved version and its scrumptious matcha variant won me over though and I was crazy about Kumori again. And just when I thought I’m already a fan of Kumori, something just made me even more head over heels in love with it.
 
Hello, Kumori.

I got a sweet message from Kumori asking if they could send me some of their newest (and limited edition) apple cheese tarts in celebration of the opening of its Robinsons Place Manila branch. Of course I said yes and I counted the days till I got my delectable package.

Brunch for Three: Wildflour

I think most of us are guilty for ordering the more photogenic dish over the tastier one. More often than not, I find myself asking the server if the dish I’d like to order is pretty or Instagram-worthy and hesitate when I get no for an answer. But there’s a restaurant with a menu packed with tasty AND photogenic dishes. Yes, I’m talking about Wildflour. 

Hello, Wildflour. 

I’ve never seen Wildflour empty and it proves that this restaurant is not just a craze or have lost its charm after the market became less interested in Cronuts. 

First Bite: Abacá Baking Company

Abaca is not a foreign name to those who frequent Cebu. As one of the popular restaurant groups in the city, a visit to any of Abaca Group’s restaurants is a must. I’ve been to Maya, Abaca’s Mexican joint last 2015 after my trip to Bantayan Island and I was impressed by its nachos and very flavorful Asada Fajitas. This time around, I made sure to drop by its cafe counterpart, Abacá Baking Company.

Hello, Abacá Baking Company.

Located a few steps away from Maya, this place has a very chill and New York bakery vibe. 

Since there are only high stools on the ground floor, we decided to head up to the second floor. I was hoping that some of the staff would help us carry our luggages (as we were on our way to the airport then) upstairs but we didn’t get any assistance from anyone even when some were just idle when we arrived. 

We were approached by a server with a very red nose and handed us menu. With hoarse voice, she mentioned their bestsellers and we decided to go for Tomato Soup (PHP195), Skillet Breakfast (PHP495) and Calamansi (PHP55). For dessert, we went with Fresh Fruit Tart (PHP225).

When in Cebu: La Vie Parisienne

Cebu is slowly turning into a foodie paradise with new restaurants opening here and there. One of the restaurants that captured my interest is La Vie Parisienne. It is not particularly new but it has a romantic ambiance and I figured that it’s a great place to spend a night with R for his post birthday celebration. 

Hello, La Vie Parisienne!

I am aware that this place is more of a bakery than a restaurant but I didn’t know that they have quite a limited selection in terms of heavier, dinner appropriate dishes. 

First Bite: Kumori Cheese Tarts

Kumori has been a favorite of the foodie community ever since it opened its first store in Manila. With its mouthwatering cheesecakes and other delectable baked goods, it’s not surprising that many went crazy and got hooked. I have to admit, I’m one of them. Though pricey for a small cheesecake, I’d find myself buying a few to satisfy my moist cheesecake cravings. And when a fellow foodie recommended Kumori’s cheese tarts, I just have to try it if it is at par with Hajuku Kobo. 

Hello again, Kumori!

After doing some errands, I went straight to the Kumori kiosk in Landmark’s food court and ordered three cheese tarts to go. For PHP60 per piece, I find it a bit steep for a small tart. But if it’s as good as they claim, then I’d definitely get my money’s worth. 

I decided to get three tarts that day and ate one as soon as I paid for it.

First Bite: Jipan's Salted Egg Croissant

I love anything with salted egg. I went crazy with the salted egg prawns of Din Tai Fung and I fell in love with Stella’s salted egg chips. I also hoard those colored eggs whenever I see it in Greenhills. And when I heard that Jipan sells salted egg croissants, I just have to visit it ASAP.

Hello, Jipan!

I used to frequent its SM Megamall branch when I was younger and go crazy with its chocolate croissants. But this time around, I went with Salted Egg Croissant (PHP125). I also had a bag of Matcha Croissants (PHP180, 10 pieces) to go. 

First Bite: Cafe by the Ruins

Cafe by the Ruins has been one of the most popular restaurants in Baguio that it became a must-visit place when in the land of ube jams and strawberries. I have tried to visit this place a few times but failed till my most recent trip up North. 

Hello, Cafe by the Ruins!

I have dreamt of dining here for more than a year now. I always drool over its mouthwatering dishes and get mesmerized by the beauty of its interiors I see on Facebook and Instagram. But I was surprised with what I saw when I entered the famous restaurant. 

The place has an ambiance that would make you feel like you’re in the woods dining with pixies and friendly dwarves but with a slight Tim Burton touch. It was poorly lit though and made me a bit paranoid with mosquitoes that I applied insect repellant as soon as we got to our table. We also got a sniff of something not so pleasant during our visit. 

Since we were not that hungry, R and I opted to just order one cup of Rizal’s Tsokolate-e (PHP145) and Chocolate Croissant (PHP100). Service was quick and it was probably because we got there just in time for last call. 

The cup of hot chocolate was quite good as it had a nice and rich chocolate taste to it. It was also thick, perfect for the cool Baguio weather. Unfortunately, it was quite humid that night so I didn’t get to enjoy my cup to the fullest. But I really liked that this cup had a smooth texture unlike the batirol type which was rough. 

Restaurant Love: Passion by Gérard Dubois

Passion (or Passioni as how I first read it) by Gérard Dubois is now one of my favorite dessert places in Fort Bonifacio. Its beautiful interiors and mouthwatering display of pastries never fail to lure me inside the store whenever I pass by it.

Hello again, Passion!

After dinner, I headed to this Instagram friendly store for some pastries to go. I was looking around when the server told me about their Buy 2, Get 1 Free (where the free item is the one with the lowest price) promo which starts at 9 p.m. daily. Woohoo! A deal!

I circled around and looked for pastries with the same prices and spotted some fruit tarts all priced at PHP108. I went for Strawberry Danish, Mixed Fruit Danish and Mixed Fruit Tunnel. 

I had the pastries to go but was worried that its beauty will be squished. I told the server my concern and he assured me that they pack it well. 

I headed home and hurriedly unpacked some of the pastries and… it was slightly squished but still quite good looking. 

Love at First Bite: Passion by Gérard Dubois

I have been eying this restaurant beside Green Pastures ever since I pass by it on my way home from St. Luke’s Medical Center. I thought it was an Italian restaurant as I read it as Passioni. (I was not wearing my eye glasses then hence the added letter.) But while waiting for K and J, I decided to pass by the shop and buy a pastry I saw featured on a food blog. 

Hello, Passion by Gérard Dubois!

This brightly lit restaurant was packed when I visited. Luckily, there was still one available table inside. 

I quickly told the server that I want to get a Strawberry Danish (PHP108) as soon as I entered after seeing that there was only one left. 

Since it was self service, I got my order right after paying. 

I took the last available table and started to enjoy my beautiful dessert (or appetizer as I was going to Grind right after for dinner). I took a bite and it was simply delicious. I loved the flakiness of the base and the smooth and creamy custard. 

I also love the fact that Passion didn’t scrimp on the strawberries. They used huge and fresh ones. I immediately fell in love with it!

Restaurant Love Revisited: Wildflour

There are so many new restaurants in Bonifacio Global City and I always get overwhelmed when someone asks me where to eat. With hundreds of options, how can I choose just one? A few weekends ago, I met up with some of R’s friends from his Shanghai group and since we were running late, his friends made the decision to have dinner at Wildflour.

Hello, Wildflour.

This restaurant never lost its charm. The place was packed on a Saturday night and shortage of parking space did not seem to bother the diners (unless they live around the area).  

Since R and I were quite famished, we quickly ordered Kimchi Fried Rice (PHP495) and Mac n' Cheese (PHP310). R also ordered one Baked Escargot (PHP75). 

While waiting for our orders, we munched on the complimentary bread and chitchatted with R’s friends who were exhausted from braving the sun to walk around Fort Santiago. 

After a couple of minutes, our Mac n' Cheese arrived. 

R found the baked pasta a bit bland so I asked for parmesan cheese. But apparently, there is an extra charge for it. (WHAT THE?!) 

Kumori Favorite: Krone

I fell in love with Kumori’s soft buns ever since I got a bite of it. It was the best part of the milk shake I ordered as it somehow offset the sweetness of the hazelnut chocolate. Though I had the whole thing for myself, I felt that it was not enough. I wanted to buy a pack of three (PHP25) then but R stopped me as we have a lot of food to finish or else it’ll spoil. Hence, I stopped myself from buying and heard my heart break a bit. But it wasn’t that long till I get to buy some of that lovely soft buns. 

Hello, Kumori in Makati!

After enjoying my banhmi from Bon Banhmi, I roamed around for some dessert and figured that I’ll try Kumori’s Krone (PHP49 per roll) and buy a pack of soft buns for breakfast. 

Wait. What?

A krone is a hallow, flaky, Danish pastry tube that is freshly piped with a creamy egg custard filling and sprinkled with a snow sugar powder (confectionary sugar).

My krone was given to me as soon as I paid and I just could not resist licking the custard filling overflow. I quickly took a few shots and tasted the filling. 

It had a nice light and smooth taste. It was sweet but not overly sweet. Its smooth texture was well complemented by the crispiness and flakiness of the Danish pastry. Just think of it as crispy cream puff. Actually, that’s exactly what it was… a crispy cream puff.

It was good and one order was enough to satisfy my craving for dessert. 

See you again, Kumori!

Kumori is located at Basement, Landmark Food Court, Makati Avenue, Makati City. 

Love at First Bite: Balai Pandesal

I love pandesal. It is one of the reasons why I’m a morning person. Nothing beats enjoying freshly baked pandesal in the morning paired with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. I am perfectly happy with Pan de Manila or Pan de Amerikana. There is also this bakeshop in Manila (as in Lungsod ng Maynila) that serves pretty good mini pandesal which I really love. It has this nice faint sweet taste that is simply addicting. But I only get to enjoy it when my aunt visits; which is very seldom. Then I saw Balai Pandesal. 

Hello, Balai Pandesal!

I have been seeing a few reviews raving about this place. But the bakeshop locations I saw were not exactly near my area hence I was not really curious to try it. But it was fate for me to have this for breakfast when I saw it in San Juan during my food trip just last weekend.

I decided to buy a couple of Small Pandesal (PHP3.50 per piece while large ones are PHP7.00 per piece) and Toasted Siopao (PHP9.00 per piece). I didn’t buy much as I just bought a box of diced hopia from Baker’s Fair the day before. 

Sweet Stop: Lucca Bakery

It’s always fun to be around my college friends. I witnessed the growth and maturity of our conversations. From homework and theses to household chores and banking and from crushes to… well, more crushes (but older). Okay, perhaps not all topics evolved to something more. But it has always been filled with laughter and at times some “kilig” too. And a few weeks back, we all met to celebrate our dear K’s birthday and shared some sweets at…

Lucca!

It has been a while since I last visited Lucca. It was still crowded and the menu didn’t change so much. And since it was packed, we opted to eat outside to avoid waiting for a table. But to our dismay, the tables were sticky and stinky. R who has a sensitive nose sure did not enjoy it. (And who would anyway?)

We decided to go for a slice of Hazelnut Indulgence (PHP145), S’mores Cookielato (PHP195) and Twix Cookielato (PHP175). R also ordered a glass of Green Tea Frappe (PHP145) while I got a cup of Cappuccino (PHP115).

First served was the slice of hazelnut indulgence and it had a weird rubbery or synthetic taste. We asked the server to replace it with another slice as it tasted really off. And the replacement slice tasted the same. We told the server that the weird taste was still there but I guess she got frustrated with us and began to raise her voice. (Uh oh!) Anyway, we soon discovered that it was the base that had a weird taste so the girls just ate the creamy part of the cake.

Love at First Bite: Artisan Emporium

I am now a frustrated foodie. Ever since I left Kapitolyo, I hardly explore. And I found out last week that there are around 5-7 new restaurants in Kapitolyo. SEVEN! I really have to explore this weekend! Anywaaaay, a few weeks back, I went to Spice & Cleaver and while waiting for R, I spotted a new bakery named Artisan Emporium and I decided to check it out.

Hello, Artisan Emporium.

The new bakery was just 2 days old when I visited and the first thing that caught my eye was the display chiller on the counter. They have salted caramel, chocolate and red velvet panna cotta (PHP180/jar). I wanted to get chocolate but the staff recommended red velvet. Thinking that R prefers red velvet, I bought that one instead.

And I totally forgot about it till three days later.