Food Delivery Favorite: Snack in a Tub's Cheese and Cold Cuts

 I have a weak spot for cheese and cold cuts. I'd always go for some whenever I see a platter in a buffet or party. And thanks to Snack in a Tub, I can have my share of a colorful platter weekly!

Hello, Snack in a Tub.

Snack in a Tub is a local online food delivery that specializes in beautifully packed cheese and cold cuts in a tub. Don't be fooled by its luxurious look as this shop offers pocket-friendly tubs. 

Food Delivery Favorite: Pizza X

I love brands that make their customers feel like master chefs! As a novice in the kitchen, I was so happy when several establishments came up with easy do-it-yourself dishes. I've tried a handful, and everything turned out great! And with my insatiable appetite for pizza, I was thrilled when I received a sampler pizza pack from Pizza X.

Hello, Pizza X.

Pizza X is one of the newest food concepts in town. It offers frozen thin-crust pizzas in solo sizes. 

First Bite: La Vita Ristorante Italiano

Ever since it reopened, Podium has been busy upping its dining options. With some of my favorites in place, this mall brought in a few more international brands as well as new names. One of which is La Vita, an Italian restaurant headed by Chef Maurizio Gabillini. It may be new in the neighborhood but word that it offers authentic Italian fare spread out fast making this new spot very busy during lunch and dinner.

Hello, La Vita Ristorante Italiano. 

Visiting Italy last year made me realize why Italians are very particular with the food they eat. Most, if not all, restaurants take pride in using only the freshest and finest ingredients in the market. Hence, it wasn't that hard to come across good tasting food. In fact, we didn't even have to go to fancy places to indulge. However, pizza and pasta in Manila are too influenced by other cuisines. You'd encounter several fusions here and there with many not working at all; it just happen to be pretty and Instagram-worthy. La Vita, on the other hand, aims to be different and promises to deliver authentic Italian cuisine. 

Yellow Cab Launches XL Pizza Slices

Pizza has been one of the easiest meals to grab when in a rush. However, most solo diners find it too much to order a whole pizza just to satisfy their hankering for this savory oven baked pie. Thankfully, Yellow Cab came up with something to solve that problem. 

Hello, Yellow Cab XL Pizza Slices!

Your favorite New York flavors are now available by the slice! And to make things yummier, it comes in huge slices! 

Sebastian's Month of Love Flavors

Valentine's Day is always one of the most celebrated occasions. We see the town turn red and adorned with hearts, flowers and what-have-yous. But expect the unexpected with one of the most creative food concepts in town.

Hello, Sebastian's Ice Cream!

Our favorite unpredictable ice cream shop launched four new flavors to celebrate the month of love and as always, Sebastian's never fail to surprise us with innovative flavors. 

Yellow Cab Celebrates 3rd World Pizza Week

February is my favorite month of the year for several reasons. Aside from it being the month of Love and my birth month, it is also when Yellow Cab celebrates World Pizza Week! 

Hello, Yellow Cab!

Yellow Cab has been one of the brands that I know would never fail me. 

Grocery Find: Cheez Whiz Mild

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day but most of us usually skip this as we rush to the office (or school) to beat the unbelievable Manila traffic. Thankfully, there are a bunch of morning hacks we can use to avoid having to leave our homes with empty growling stomachs. One of which is making a fuss-free sandwich. And cheese is usually my go to spread. 

Hello, Cheez Whiz!

I still remember grabbing a jar of Cheez Whiz every afternoon to snack on when I was young. I'd have it on bread or snack on it as is while watching my favorite television show. I couldn't indulge in more than 2 tablespoon though with its strong flavor. But Cheez Whiz introduced a new variant that might make me finish half a jar in one sitting. 

Love at First Bite: Krispy Kreme's Bacon Cheese Doughnut

Krispy Kreme has been known for teasing us with its mouthwatering limited offerings. Remember the adorable Christmas doughnuts or the velvety Chocolate Glazed Doughnut? This time though, it made my heart skip two beats instead of one when I saw its newest offering... Bacon Cheese Doughnuts!

Hello, Krispy Kreme!

I've been rather off social media these past few weeks and I just found out Krispy Kreme's Bacon and Cheese Ring-Filled Doughnut (PHP65/piece) today when I visited its newest branch in Paseo de Magallanes.

Now in BGC: Soru Izakaya

Known for its arty plating of maki rolls, Soru Izakaya has been flocked by millennials who want content for their social media pages. But unlike restaurants and concepts that focused on just aesthetics, Soru Izakaya was able to balance both by offering eye pleasing dishes that also satisfy the taste buds. 

Hello, Soru Izakaya.

I have to admit, I was a bit pessimistic with this concept surviving the ever so competitive Manila food scene. As one of the few restaurants that offer relatively expensive dishes in Maginhawa, a neighborhood known for affordable grub, Soru Izakaya has a lot on its plate. But fast forward to 2018, it now has two branches with its newest one in Burgos Circle, Fort Bonifacio. 

New Love: La Petite Fromagerie's Camem-Beer Spread

I am crazy in love with La Petite Fromagerie. It has brought out a whole different level of cheese craving after a taste of its Truffle Cream Cheese spread. It was the best cheese product I've had and I couldn't help myself spazz about it pretty much with everyone. And when this cheese dreamland announced its new product, I drooled for days.

Hello again, La Petite Fromagerie.

I badly wanted to try its Camem-Beer (PHP550/jar)  spread ever since it was released a few months back. However, with a fridge half full with spreads and jams, I'm sure that someone's not going to like the idea of me buying another one. 

First Bite: Tori Chizu

Cheese is probably one of the best creations ever made! I love cheese so much that I could finish a quarter of a cheese wheel in one sitting. I love it with crackers, wine, fruits and even ramen. And when I found out that there's a place that offers baked rice with cheese, I just have to check it out!

Hello, Tori Chizu. 

Located at the busy ground floor of SM Megamall, it would be easy to spot Tori Chizu if you frequent Building A. 

Best Purchase Ever: La Petite Fromagerie's Truffle Cream Cheese Spread

Cheese lover? Then La Petite Fromagerie won't be a stranger to you. This brand has been around for quite a while; spoiling cheese lovers all over the metro. Though I never get to catch its pop-up booth in events, I was lucky to have finally tasted its famous truffle cream cheese spread during this year's Kain Tulog Gang (KTG) Thanksgiving party. And it was love at first bite. I simply could not get over it that one jar became 4 in less than a month. 

Hello, La Petite Fromagerie. 

I've seen multiple posts of La Petite Fromagerie online and it never fails to make me drool at photos of its mouthwatering raclette. I'd always find myself frustrated as my schedule played diva and never cooperated with its pop-up events. I sure was glad though to finally have a taste of this talked about cheese expert last January. 

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.

Now Open: Bake Cheese Tart is now in Manila

Bake is finally in Manila! After over a year of waiting, the world's best cheese tart is now open in Podium. 

Hello, Bake Cheese Tart.

I haven't heard of Bake till I visited Japan last year. The long queue in front of its store near the subway caught my attention and made me curious. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to convince R to line up with me that time. But the enticing aroma of freshly baked tarts left a strong impression that I made sure to grab some when I visited Seoul, Korea and Taichung, Taiwan.

Night Cap: Makati Diamond Residences' Champagne and Tapas Buffet

I am a big fan of bubbly and I could drink it all night if paired with some good tapas. And a homey hotel in Makati seems to be my new favorite with its remarkably great spread perfect for a relaxing night after moving around the city to find the perfect gifts this coming Christmas. 

Hello, Makati Diamond Residences.

First Bite: Taco Bell

Would you believe me if I tell you that I've never been to Taco Bell before? Well, aside from it having few branches in Manila, I'm always more inclined to visit a non-fast food Mexican joint for my taco fix. I'd find myself just walk past its purple and yellow facade without any second thought. But last week was different. 

Hello, Taco Bell. 

I was at Trinoma last week for the opening of my favorite yogurt, llaollao. I came in a bit too early for the VIP party so I decided to look for a place to have late lunch instead. I was leaning towards getting Turks Shawarma but I bumped into a friend who wanted to go for Taco Bell. Since I've never been to Taco Bell, I figured that it's not a bad idea.

We saw this meal for two that includes nachos, fries with sour cream, tacos, churros and drinks priced at less than PHP400. Sweet deal right?

Since 1999: Brothers Burger

Do you still remember what you were doing in 1999? I sure don't but I know three brothers who clearly do. The Jose brothers started to revolutionize how burgers should be that year. The genius trio were tired of the usual burgers fast food chains offer and this triggered them to start their own burger joint--the first to make artisanal burgers. And Brothers Burger was born. Several years later, Brothers Burger is still a brand of choice for foodies particular with their patties. But on its 18th year, Brothers Burger has become more than just burgers. 

First Bite: Le Jardin Café

First impression lasts and Le Jardin sure knows how to charm. I still remember my full course dinner at this spectacular restaurant and I often find myself craving for its superb Dessert de Gils. And I regretted not going back sooner when I found out that they finally closed their huge French doors. But great things never fail to make a comeback and Le Jardin opened once again but as a casual café.
 
Hello, Le Jardin Café.

I was greeted by familiar garden inspired interiors and a menu that is a lot more affordable than its fine dining predecessor. Focusing more on comfort food and breakfast must-haves, Le Jardin has charmed me once again. 

Love at First Bite: Grape Escape

I love exploring Maginhawa because it is filled with restaurants offering scrumptious dishes at affordable prices. And one of my latest discoveries is this wine place that serves impressive dishes that would intoxicate you with happiness.

Hello, Grape Escape.

It was a bit hard for me to spot Grape Escape during daytime when its signage is not lit. But thanks to Waze and its informative Instagram account, I was able to get dropped off at the right location. [Tip: Look for the building with Bo's Coffee and Anytime Fitness.]

First Bite: Sobremesa

Sobremesa has been one of the most talked about restaurants when it opened. And how can it not make it to the social media world when it tries to address the society’s extreme addiction to gadgets. I’m sure that you remember this restaurant that had the witty idea of putting adorable small bird cages on every dining table where diners are encouraged to put their phones in. Yes, the idea behind it is to have a gadget-free meal and for people to actually talk to each other, in person. And to whoever cannot resist to check his or her phone, that person has to pay the bill of the whole group. Though I’m not exactly sure if diners actually locked their phones in, especially now with the need to document everything, it was and still is a great idea. I’ve been meaning to visit that restaurant for months now but traffic always gets in the way and I couldn’t drag anyone to go with me. But it was a different story a couple months back.

Hello, Sobremesa!

I was invited by The Menu Group to its blogger meet up a few months ago and I figured that this is finally my chance to visit the place as I have other foodies going with me.