Food Delivery Favorite: Dip't MNL's Candied Strawberries

This year is full of unexpected twists and turns. We were supposed to attend the Canton Fair in April and go around Korea in May. But we all know what happened these past months. Thankfully, many new businesses were born during these trying times and made us cope with the new normal a bit better. And Dip't MNL eased my disappointment for missing our much-awaited return trip to Korea. 

Hello, Dip't MNL.

Dip't MNL is one of the many new online businesses that opened this 2020. It specializes in candied strawberries, one of the popular street foods in Korea (and even in China and Taiwan).

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.

Restaurant Favorite: Abe

The crazy number of restaurants we have in Manila makes it challenging for most establishments to be relevant. With the market bombarded with so many options, consumers find it hard to stay loyal to a particular restaurant... unless the restaurant's doing something right. And such is true with Abe of the LJC Group of Restaurants. 

Hello, Abe. 

Abe has been around for several years now yet each branch continues to be flocked by numerous guests every day. And it takes only one bite to understand why.

Restaurant Favorite: Yoshinoya

Dining out can be very tiring. Aside from squeezing your way through Manila's horrendous traffic, you're also bombarded with so many options where to eat. And the fact that there are restaurants opening left and right every week doesn't really help. At most times, I end up finding myself going back to one of my classic favorites--Yoshinoya.

Hello, Yoshinoya. 

Yoshinoya has been one of my go to places when I couldn't decide on where to eat. With its no fail Beef Gyudon Rice Bowl, I'm set to have a filling and satisfying meal! 

Worth it or not: McDonald's Milk Tea McFloat

The milk tea craze is just getting crazier with more and more brands entering the market. And just when I thought it was already wild enough, McDonald's joined the hype and now offers Classic and Wintermelon McFloat drinks. 

Hello, McDonald's.

I was pretty excited to try McDonald's newest drinks but it took me a while before I got hold of some as I was busy moving from one city to another for work. Luckily, we spotted one on our way back home.

Save the Date: Jim Beam HIghball Pop-Up Bar this April 24-28

Fond of highballs? Then there's an event you shouldn't miss! Mark your calendars as the world's number 1 bourbon brings the first ever Highball Pop-Up Bar!

Hello, Jim Beam!

The bourbon with 220 years of experience under its belt is bringing back the joy of sipping highball at Bonifacio High Street Amphitheater this April 24 to 28 from 6 p.m. to 12 midnight (and until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday).

A Not So Typical Day: The Medium MNL

Living in Manila sometimes make me sad with its limited choices on things to do. With barely any park to consider, we usually spend our days strolling around the mall or catching the latest movie. Hence, I always get excited when something new comes along. And when an acquaintance offered me some tickets to watch The Medium, an opera written by Gian Carlo  Menotti, I quickly said yes. 

I read a bit about The Medium before heading to the Zobel de Ayala Recital Hall and was intrigued when it was described as an eerie tale of a woman who pretends to be a medium of the dead and eventually experienced something paranormal herself. As dark and rather horror themes are rarely used in plays, more so for opera, I was looking forward to the show.

First Bite: Mimi & Bros

I simply cannot resist comfort food. And now with how things are going in Manila, I need daily supply of good food. Thankfully, a new restaurant just opened and it offers dishes that would definitely make get by a bad day. 

Hello, Mimi & Bros!

I'm in Lava again with Lava Cheese Tarts

It has been a while since I last dropped by Lava for my cheese tart fix. I try to avoid it as I’ve had a lot during Christmas break. But when my tummy craves, my whole body follows.  And so, I found myself in front of Lava one early afternoon.

Hello again, Lava Cheese Tarts!

First Bite: Little Bear Diner

After several months of planning for another Kapitolyo invasion, I finally managed to set foot again to the well-loved foodie haven. I was very excited when my mom told me that there are a bunch of new restaurants in the area. However, most of the new restaurants I was eying were still closed when I visited. I was saving this adorable diner for my Kapitolyo food trip with some of my favorite girls; but I ran out of options and ended up going anyway. It sure made me feel like Goldilocks though. 

Hello, Little Bear Diner.

It was quite hard to find this place as its signage could be easily blocked by a parked car. It is located in between a water refilling station and Poco Deli. We were lucky though to be able to score the parking space near the quaint restaurant. 

We were greeted by an adorable dining set up with cute framed artwork. The second floor is equally adorable with its wall full of small stuffed bears and other charming decors. 

Ramen Love: Ippudo

Ever since we brought Uncle H to Ippudo, he has been craving for more. He messaged R that he wanted it for dinner last Saturday but he had an event to attend to. He couldn’t help think about it and messaged R again the next day and said that he wanted it for lunch. But since R and I already had plans for lunch, Uncle H just ate at home. The urge though was strong and he went to BGC and picked us up to join him have dinner at… you know it.

Hello again, Ippudo!

I had no idea that the operation hours of this branch is not the same as SM Megamall’s. It has a break in between and resumes its dinner operations at 6 p.m. (until 3 a.m. for those craving for ramen at odd hours). 

The place wasn’t packed then as we arrived at 5:50 p.m.. We were asked to wait for a bit outside as they prepare our table. In less than 2 minutes, we were ushered to our table. 

R’s parents went with the usual ramen bowls and Uncle H’s favorite gyoza. I spotted a new product offering and went with Hakata-Style Classic Tsukemen (PHP485) with cold noodles. 

It took my bowl a bit over 20 minutes before it was served. R’s and his parents’ ramen bowls were already half empty when my bowl arrived. I guess it was because it is prepared differently. I just wished that the staff informed me about it so that I could have prepared myself and ordered another appetizer while waiting instead of just staring at my companions eating. 

It was worth the wait though as it was really good. I loved the contrast of the cold noodles and the hot dipping sauce. I’m so glad I listened to the server’s recommendation. I also liked that I have full control on how flavorful each bite will be. I could dip and soak my noodles in the broth for a while to make my noodles warmer and for a more flavorful mouthful or I could just lightly dip it to take a break and avoid being too overwhelmed by the richness of the broth. 

Foodie Alert: Happy Lemon's Bubble Waffles

I have been seeing the mouthwatering eggette or egg waffle of Happy Lemon for quite a while now. The first store I know selling it is Egg-It in Kapitolyo. But I hardly visit the area now so I never had the chance to visit it. So just imagine my excitement when I found out that I do not have to brave the traffic just to go to Kapitolyo or to Makati (to visit The Dessert Kitchen or Milk Trade). Can’t picture it? Just think of a cat person wearing everything with cat prints who never had a cat but wanted a cat and eventually got a cat. Yes, that type of crazy happiness.

But the lukewarm reviews on Happy Lemon’s eggette made me delay my visit to the nearest store. It took me nearly two weeks before I braved the sun and visited the Happy Lemon branch in High Street. 

I asked the server if they have eggette as I didn’t see any signage around. He gave me a puzzled look and I had to repeat what I said. Apparently, he just knows bubble waffle and eggette is unheard of. And so, after a confusing exchange and charades, he told me that they were out of batter. *ugly cry* My 7 minute walk ended up as a waste of time and energy. 

Instead of heading back, I opted to visit Central Square Mall to look for other desserts. I went up to the cinema floor and discovered another Happy Lemon branch! 

I slowly approached the store afraid to hear the words “out of stock”. I hesitantly asked if they have bubble waffle and upon checking the stock, he gave me a sweet yes. *twirls*

Cebu Food Stop: La Marea

I make sure that every time I visit Cebu I stop by La Marea. The café known for its warm brownie cup is a must-visit place for foodies and chocolate lovers.

Hello again, La Marea!

Since we were still full from our Maya dinner, R and I opted to share one cup of Classic Warm Brownie Cup (PHP110) and a slice of Frozen Brazo de Mecedes (PHP85) and Classic Sylvanna (PHP17.5).

First to arrive was the brownie cup. As always, it was a wonderful contrast of warm chocolate brownie and cold vanilla ice cream. It was delectable!

Next served was the frozen Brazo de Mercedes and sylvanna.

The sylvanna was nothing extraordinary and the cake was just okay. I still prefer the one I had from Spätzle. 

La Marea is located at Crossroads, Banilad Cebu City.