First Sip: Nitro 7 Coffee & Tea Bar

I used to be heavily dependent on coffee that I need at least a cup or two a day to function. Avoiding it has been a difficult task but I've slowly became less hooked to the fragrant drink after some time. But I could never say no to a cup of mocha. And when I spotted Nitro 7, I just have to try its Nitro Mocha. 

Hello, Nitro 7 Coffee & Tea Bar. 

As you could tell from its name, Nitro 7 Coffee & Tea Bar is not your usual place to get your caffeine fix. 

Love at First Bite: Vampire Penguin Shaved Snow and Desserts

Summer is here and I now have the perfect excuse to eat cold treats 24/7. Halo-halo, bingsu, ice cream, you name it, I’d most likely want it. And a few weeks ago, I discovered a new favorite. It comes with an adorable mascot and an interesting name.

Hello, Vampire Penguin.

An adorable Vampire Penguin greeted us as soon as we approached its store located at Ayala on 30th. A display shelf with the different flavored ice, toppings and macarons were among the first things we noticed as we stepped inside the corner store. 

Its name sure made a lot of diners curious. Thankfully, Leo, one half of the duo who conceptualized Vampire Penguin, was there to entertain all our silly questions. He enlightened us by sharing a little story about themselves and how related it is to Vampire Penguin.

New Restaurant Alert: TenRen's Tea

New restaurants, cafés or whathaveyou attract me like fly to light. I just have to go nearer… and nearer… and… *bite/slurp* Well, okay, I have to order first and pay before I devour whatever I chose. Anyway, the point is, I simply could not resist new places especially if these places offer food or drinks. I am actually practicing intense self control not to go to S Maison to try the new restaurants there as I wanted to go with the awesome looloo group. So to distract myself, I headed to Greenhills and went to the new tea shop TenRen’s Tea. 

Hello, TenRen’s Tea!

I got lost finding this place. I saw the wrong and incomplete addresses in my food apps so it took me a while to get here. (By the way, it is on the second floor of the Promenade Mall, quite near Gourdo’s and on top of Starbucks.) 

The shop was empty at 3:30 p.m. and the server near the door gave me a free sample of their bestseller 913 King’s Oolong Milk Tea (PHP100). I liked it so I went with that one but with 50% sugar level and with pearls (additional PHP10) as I wanted to chew on something. 

The wait wasn’t that long as I was the only customer then. It took them 2 minutes to prepare my drink and it was ample time for me to take a few snapshots of the place for “documentation.” While waiting, I noticed that they did not design the place for people to linger around. There are only two tall tables and 3-4 stools each. There are no power outlets or washroom inside the shop as well. Oh, and it was hot inside! 

I guess, it really is just designed for take out and the store is to showcase its various teas. 

Love at First Bite: Tsumura Sushi Bar & Restaurant

Mr. Tsumura has a huge fan. This fan can’t stop raving about Tsumura Sushi Bar & Restaurant that after antigravity yoga, he invited me to have late lunch there. (And a couple of months later, we went again, this time with his dad.)

Hello, [Mr.] Tsumura!

The place wasn’t packed when we went. I guess there are more people during dinner. R knew which ones to order and chose Aburi Sake (PHP80/piece) and Toro Teriyaki (PHP550). Since it was pretty warm that day, I opted to get Cha Soba (PHP330).

Summer 101: Get Shaved

It’s getting hot. Really hot. I was pretty happy a few weeks back as it felt like the Christmas breeze finally arrived but it is now gone. (T.T) Oh well. Then I remembered this shaved ice place N loves so much to the point that he was proud to bring me there. 

 

Hey, Get Shaved!

 

The place was charming with its cool blue interiors. It makes me feel cooler already. The choices also have cute names such as Root Beer Dream and Monkey Brains. I ordered #5 Sour Puss on a UFO bowl ($2.75) as I was not sure if I will like it while N ordered an Ice Cream Sandwich ($3/piece).

In less than 3 minutes, we have our orders ready.