Food Delivery Favorite: Gab's Just Desserts

My trip to Italy was one of the most memorable adventures I've had to date. From getting lost in Siena to walking on the cobblestones of Rome and feasting on Naples's iconic Neopolitan pizza, I have wonderful experiences at each stop. One of the highlights of our Italy trip was indulging in Italy's amazing desserts. We went crazy with panna cotta and gelato. But one thing we missed was cannoli. Thankfully, there's Gab's Just Desserts.

Hello, Gab's Just Desserts.

Gab's Just Desserts is one of the few online shops that specialize in Italian desserts. The owners, having been based in Italy for three years, are very familiar with its sweet treats. And they figured that the boom of e-commerce is the perfect time to launch their dessert concept.

ECQ Favorite: Bread & Breakfast Baked Treats

I love bread! I'd usually grab a piece or two and smother it with my favorite jam for breakfast. And when I have extra time, I add some cold cuts, fresh greens, and a slice or two of cheese for a yummier sandwich. But why bother when you can have your savory baked treats by just ordering from Bread & Breakfast?

Hello, Bread & Breakfast. 

Bread & Breakfast is a new player in the growing community of home bakers. Unlike most that specialize in sweet treats, this newcomer focuses on puff pastries, rolls, and croissants. 

Nono's Launches New Favorites

July was a stressful month for me. I had to learn new things for work and keep up with having new content for my blog. I'd often find myself sleeping so late just so I could have everything done. Now that I'm starting to get the hang of it, there's no better way to reward myself than with good food at Nono's. 

Hello, Nono's.

I used to think that Nono's is just a place for desserts knowing that the person behind this dainty shop is the wonderful Baba Ibazeta-Benedicto of Classic Confections. But I was totally wrong when I got a bite of Nono's Fried Truffle Cheese Wontons. Crunchy and packed with umami, this amazing starter made me smile from ear to ear! And I couldn't help myself from wanting more. My sister also had a Cooking Master Boy moment with Nono's when she had its cheesy Mac N Cheese.

Promo Alert: Scoop All You Can at Papa Diddi's this July 15

National Ice Cream Day is coming right up and there's no better way to celebrate this yummy day than to indulge in several scoops of ice cream. And Papa Diddi's is bound to make you look forward to Monday with its mouthwatering Scoop All You Can this July 15!

Hello, Papa Diddi's.

Papa Diddi's started with small store along the foodie district Maginhawa focused on creating unique handcrafted ice cream flavors. Such gave this ice cream joint an edge in the ever competitive food scene and eventually gained a strong following and patrons who would visit this shop despite having other more convenient options. Fast forward to 2019, it grew to have two other branches-- one in Libis and another in Poblacion. 

First Bite: Mihimihi

I hardly go out these days as I find Manila's traffic unbearable. But when I do, I see to it that I get to visit at least one new restaurant. And I was so thrilled when I accidentally discovered Mihimihi on my way home.

Hello, Mihimihi.

Mihimihi is a popular bakeshop from Guangzhou, China known for its eclair-shaped French puff pastries that come in different flavors and fillings. I've seen its shop a few times but our jam-packed Canton Fair schedule doesn't really allow me to explore the city that much. Luckily, these raved about baked goodies found its way to Manila. It opened its first store in SM Fairview last March and its second one opened in SM Megamall just a few weekends ago.

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. 

Dairy Queen's Holiday Treats this 2018

As Christmas decor start to fill the city and bring joy to many, Dairy Queen launched a product line that would make the holiday season even more festive. 

Hello, Dairy Queen. 

It has been a tradition of Dairy Queen to come up with Christmas flavors in celebration of the holiday season. For this year, it launches three drool-worthy flavors namely Hershey's Kisses Almonds Double Cocoa, Hershey's Kisses Mango Cookie and Hershey's Kisses Cookie Buttercrisp. 

First Bite: La Maripili

Churro has been one of my go-to afternoon snacks ever since my mom spoiled me to trips to the classic Dulcinea. I've been an avid fan of this deep-fried treat dipped in thick hot chocolate and I couldn't help myself from ordering it every time I see it on the menu or at the amusement park. 

Hello, La Maripili.

La Maripili is no stranger to southern folks. After all, this is where its all started. It has been talked about and hyped that it made me want to brave the traffic just for a serving of churros. But my schedule was uncooperative and I ended up just drooling over the photos. Thankfully, it opened another branch at Ayala Malls the 30th. 

Worth It or Not: The Dessert Museum

Who wouldn't get excited by the idea of a dessert museum? A chocoholic like me went crazy and spammed a lot of friends when I found out that one is opening here in Manila. I got excited too with the idea of feasting on sweets while inside one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in the city. I was not sure though if it would be worth the entrance fee so I decided to wait for a couple of weeks before I decide to purchase a ticket or not. But dessert gods must be pleased with me and I got an unexpected pass to sweet land. 

Hello, The Dessert Museum.

Located at the ground floor of S'Maison, it would be hard to miss this Instagram heaven with its quirky facade. Strict with reservation schedules, we were in front of the museum 30 minutes before our slot. 

First Bite: Harlan + Holden

Harlan + Holden instantly charmed me when I saw photos of its picturesque cafe in Rockwell. Call me sucker for Instagram-worthy places but I did my research and read great reviews of this place prompting me to ask R and his parents to a trip here one afternoon.

Hello, Harlan + Holden. 

Saying I Love You Sweeter with Cadbury

Valentine's Day is one of my favorite occasions to celebrate. It is the day when I could be super cheesy and not be shy about it. But as I grow older, I learn that overly sharing one's relationship status online could be a bit too much. So I downplayed it this year and gave a simple yet heart-felt gift to R. 

Knowing that R is a big fan of anything sweet, I thought of giving him chocolates. And when I found out that Cadbury came up with a special Valentine's box where your message is creatively hidden, I didn't think twice and got one for R.

Be More Imaginative with Toblerone this Valentine's Day

I still remember those younger years when I dream of being pampered by my prince charming with flowers, balloons and all those grand gestures to show his affections. But as I grow older, I become more and more practical and I found myself telling R not to buy me anything inedible. Defining myself as a scrooge would be too harsh as I still enjoy other forms of gifts. And my favorite to date is when R prepared a lovely steak dinner for us in Tagaytay. But with us being so busy these past months, we could barely even celebrate each others birthdays. Thankfully, a thoughful brand came up with an easy yet thoughtful way for us to express our love.

Hello, Toblerone Valentine's Limited Edition Sleeves!

Krispy Kreme's Original Glazed is now available in Chocolate

Krispy Kreme has always been my go to place whenever I crave for doughnuts. Though I just stick to the classic Original Glazed and a cup of iced latte, mocha or cappuccino, I always enjoy looking at its mouthwatering and picturesque flavored doughnuts. But there was one variant that intrigued me and made me change my usual order. 

Hello, Krispy Kreme Chocolate Glazed!

Original is now available in chocolate! Yes, my favorite Original Glazed doughnut got a yummy tan!

LeTAO Holiday Treats

LeTAO is one of the most talked about brands last year when it opened its first pop-up store in Uptown Bonifacio. Focusing on one product, Fromage Double Cheesecake, it successfully captured the local market's attention. Teased with gorgeous photos followed by mouthwatering write ups, foodies around the metro got curious. However, many took a step back after finding that one 6" cake costs PHP1,150. Fast forward to December 2017, LeTAO Philippines now offers more of the well-loved Japanese brand and it came just in time for Christmas. 

Hello, LeTAO. 

I was first acquainted with LeTAO during my trip to Taiwan. I got its famous Fromage Double Cheesecake at almost the same price in Manila. 

Southern Chronicles: Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory opens in Molito, Alabang

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is no stranger to me. I've had it back in 2011 during one of my travels. Back then I wasn't too adventurous with food and didn't really like the idea of having my chocolate or caramel with a Granny Smith apple. Fast forward to 2017, I got acquainted with the chocolate wonderland again and discovered some treats that made me smile from ear to ear. 

Hello, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.

Truffles the bear finally made it to the South. And it is the first thing you'll notice when you get inside Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in Molito, Alabang. 

Second Bite: Cocina Peruvia

Cocina Peruvia is no stranger to me. I've tried it last year in its BGC branch and it was not technically love at first bite. However, I loved its Galera de Chocolate and that was good enough reason for me to go back for more.

Hello, Cucina Peruvia.

First Bite: Sweet Inspirations

Sweet Inspirations has been around for a long time. I remember always seeing it along Katipunan when I have errands to do within the area. However, I never got the time to drop by. I figured that I could get my slice of cake elsewhere. But I had no idea that this place offers more than sweets. 

Hello, Sweet Inspirations. 

I dropped by its Hemady Square branch one Saturday afternoon and I was surprised to see a Mongolian station. 

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?

First Sip: Cafè Barbera

Italians are known to be particular with what they eat and drink. To some extent, they can be what millennials describe as savage when they eat anything non-Italian. I can't blame them though as they have been spoiled by the finest ingredients. However, not everything that Italians love and rave about is well received by the local market. But for something universal as coffee, it's a different story. 

Hello, Cafè Barbera.

This Italian cafè has been around for over a century and has grown from a small street coffee vendor on the streets of Naples to a global franchise. You'd think that this place would most likely have the best coffee. After all, espresso is something deeply rooted into the Italian way of life. 

Second Bite: Puzzles Board Game Lounge

Now that I'm officially a member of Titas of Manila, I value staycations more than ever. But when I get invited to play board games over yummy snacks, I'd be ready in a heartbeat. And that's pretty much what happened two Saturdays ago when The Foodie Station invited me to hangout at Puzzles Board Game Lounge. 
 
Hello again, Puzzles.

To be honest, I was a bit iffy to tag along as I had a not so good experience at Puzzles almost two years ago. But everything deserves second chances so I decided to go. Plus, the competitive person in me was dying to visit again.