Love at First Bite: Cara Mia's Crème Brûlée Cake

Calling 2020 a crazy year is an understatement. It has been more than a roller coaster ride for many. But this year has also been filled with rays of sunshine--I got pregnant and gave birth to an adorable baby girl. I was also fortunate to score some work-related opportunities. And Cara Mia launching yet another delightful cake was a yummy cherry on top!

Hello, Cara Mia.

Cara Mia is one of my favorite dessert shops in Manila. I always go for its delectable Ube Cake, Strawberry Shortcake, and Mango Cream Pie whenever there's an occasion or when I feel like treating myself to something sweet. This time, they perfected the recipe for Crème Brûlée cake.

Expecting During a Pandemic: Husbands Now Allowed Inside Delivery Room at St. Luke's

I missed out a lot while expecting during a pandemic. I didn't get to enjoy those fun baby fairs or experience a baby shower. I found myself extra paranoid every time I step out of the house. And getting the food I crave was, more often than not, a challenge. But the saddest thing this new normal changed for pregnant women is not having their husbands or partners beside them during labor and delivery. I wanted to share this precious moment with R. And luck was on our side when I found out that one companion during delivery is now allowed at St. Luke's! 

Two days to go before we meet Sam!

I was beyond thrilled when I accidentally found out that husbands or partners can now enter the delivery room. It was late at night when I was browsing through Glam-O-Mamas' Facebook community page when someone inquired about a swab test for her husband as he'll accompany her in the delivery room. She was asking fellow moms if paying PHP4,300 (walk-in) or PHP6,500 (drive-thru) is worth it given its short validity of five days for dads or dads-to-be (versus two weeks for moms). 

Pregnancy Journey: Covid-19 Walk-In vs. Drive-Thru Swab Test Experience at St. Luke's Medical Center QC

Anticipation. This is probably the best word to describe the stage R and I are in these past two weeks. From a false labor scare to scheduling my swab test (a new normal protocol) a tad too early, we've reached the part where we're itching to see our little one. But Sam doesn't seem to be ready yet that I had to redo my swab test as the first result's validity already expired. And to shake things up, I decided to try its walk-in swab test instead of taking drive-thru twice.

Hello again, Swab Test!

One of the perks of giving birth at St. Luke's Medical Center Quezon City is that your required swab test before delivery is complimentary. You can even choose drive-thru without any additional cost. However, those who hit over two weeks and haven't delivered yet have to take another swab test. And this time, you have to pay for it. 

Scheduling an appointment for my swab test this time around was not as convenient as the first one. I felt less prioritized as I had to do things on my own. But it was still pretty straightforward and quick as everything was done via St. Luke's ehub portal. 

Countdown to the Big Day: My Hospital Bag

Time sure flies fast! I can't believe that I'm now on my 8th month of pregnancy and that I'll see my little one in less than two months. I guess I'm too excited as I started packing my hospital bag when I hit my 28th week. It was slow progress as we completed our baby's necessities just recently. But now, it's finally ready!

Countdown to the big day: Our Hospital Bag

With the global pandemic in mind, I wanted to be prepared as much as possible and limit our exposure. I read that most moms who gave birth during the lockdown stayed in the hospital for two to three days maximum instead of the usual three to five days. Some were even discharged within 48 hours from giving birth. I guess this is the hospital's way of limiting the mom's and baby's exposure to coronavirus, and at the same time maximize the use of its rooms. 

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. 

ECQ Favorite: Mitsuyado Sei-Men's Yuzu Tsukemen

It is undeniable that the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) has made life tougher for many. But there are a few things to be thankful for. We got to spend more time with our families and had a break that we could only get back when we still had summer breaks. And ramen or noodle shops finally allowed take out orders! One of my current favorites is Mitsuyado Sei-Men's Yuzu Tsukemen. 

Hello, Mitsuyado Sei-Men.

I usually go for ramen over tsukemen as I enjoy slurping hot broth. But I occasionally order tsukemen to change things a bit. 

First Bite: Wok with Mom

I feel absolutely bad for not being able to properly celebrate my mom's birthday. I was swamped with work on her birthday that we only got to briefly meet on her special day. To make up for it, I decided to host a small lunch party for her with my sister. And Wok with Mom definitely came in at the most perfect time.

Hello, Wok with Mom.

Wok with Mom is a humble home-based party tray business that was started in 2018 by Oi's 77 year old mom. Specializing in authentic Filipino-Chinese dishes like Eight Treasure Chicken, Citrus Baked Pork Spareribs and Potato Shrimp Chinese Salad, Wok with Mom became a popular choice for celebrations and all kinds of festivities. 

Lazy Bug Chronicles: Uma Uma Hakata-Style Ramen is now available via Delivery

Who says you can't have your ramen to go? Well, a lot. Ramen joints refuse to have its delectable noodles for take out even if it's your own leftover. I've seen several customers who went ballistic and argued with the staff when they found out that they can't have their leftover noodles to go. Though I understand that the restaurant just want to ensure product quality, I feel that a simple warning would suffice and just let its customers have their half eaten noodles packed. Thankfully, I don't have to worry about it anymore. In fact, I can even have some Hakata-style ramen delivered! 

Hello, Uma Uma.

Uma Uma has been quiet these past months while all other ramen joints have been launching new products here and there. Turns out Uma Uma has been brewing something cool for us. So, anyone up for ramen at home? 

Summer Must Have: Cara Mia's Mango Cream Pie

I'm not a big fan of summer. With the sun at its meanest, just thinking about being sweaty and sticky as soon as I leave an air conditioned space makes me want to book the next flight to wherever cold. But if there's one thing that consoles me is the fact that this is the season when mangoes are at its best. And nostalgia hit me big time when Cara Mia launches its Mango Cream Pie. 

Hello, Cara Mia. 

If you are a big fan of Red Ribbon's Mango Cream Pie and got your heart shattered to pieces when they removed it from the shelves, then your summer is just about to be happier! Cara Mia is bringing sunshine back to our lives with its Mango Cream Pie (PHP985, whole | PHP150, slice). And yes, this is the original creamy goodness we all love.

Lazy Bug Chronicles: foodpanda x Wild West Roadhouse Grill

Being on the go all the time is exhausting. Just facing the crazy Manila traffic could take a toll on anyone. And when I have no schedule for the day, I make sure that I just stay at home. However, the downside of being at home is that I have to cook my meal and there are times when I am not in the mood to do so. Thank goodness though for reliable food apps like foodpanda who a few months back partnered with Wild West Roadhouse Grill and spoiled me with some of its mouthwatering dishes. 

Hello, Wild West Roadhouse Grill.

I usually prefer to eat out instead of having something delivered as I get to enjoy my food warm and I get to feast on a beautifully plated dish. However, when the lazy bug bites, there's no escaping it. 

Langhap Sarap: Jollibee Yum Burger

The local food scene is crazy! One could easily get overwhelmed with the new concepts opening here and there as well as countless restaurants offering twists to classic favorites. But there are times when you just want those tried and tested comfort food on a lazy day. And one of my guilty pleasures is heading to Jollibee for some no frills burgers.

Hello, Jollibee. 

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.

McSpicy is Back and Now Available in Garlic Parmesan!

McSpicy is back! This is not a drill. I repeat, McSpicy is back! And it now comes in two flavors. 

Hello, McDonald's. 

I got a sweet message from M last week mentioning that they will be launching something spicy last Friday and they'd like to send some over for me to be one of the first foodies to taste it. And of course I said yes. But there was one problem... I was out of town last Thursday to Monday. Thankfully, McDonald's was very accommodating and without any hesitation, asked me where they could deliver it instead. Sweet! It was my first time to have something delivered to me while on a vacation (sort of). 

First Bite: The Olive Treat

Ber months are definitely the season to be a fatty. With Christmas just around the corner, I could feel my pants getting tighter and my schedule starting to become a hot mess. I have always been away on weekends for events or dinner out and I was getting tired of being away from my bed or couch all the time. Hence, I was so happy when I finally got to stay at home once again on a Saturday. Staycation was something I needed to recharge. And it was made even more special with some delectable dishes from The Olive Treat.

Hello, The Olive Treat!

I got a sweet message from Mark of The Olive Treat asking if I would like to try their Sisig ni Olives (PHP300/half kilo | PHP500/kilo) after seeing my comment on Foodgrammerph’s post. I quickly said yes and inquired about its famous Stuffed Iberico Chicken (PHP550/whole chicken). To my surprise, Mark offered to give me a sample of his roasted chicken and Birthday Spaghetti (PHP900/pyrex) too. After a few more exchanges, we have finally set on a date for the delivery of the mouthwatering dishes. And true to his word, he got to my place on time. 

I'M IN LOVE: Minions of Despicable Me

It has been a while since I last bought a Happy Meal. I believe they were giving out Rise of the Guardians toys then (and I got an elf). I never thought of wanting to complete a collection again till…

 

BA BA BA BABANANA BA BA BA BABANANA NA NA NA AHH POTATO NA AH AH BANANA…

Yes, that song! Those cute yellow minions captured my heart ever since I saw them on the big screen helping out Gru to be the best villain ever.

Digital Age: McDelivery Online

Don’t you just have those moments when you just feel like pigging out? When you’ll find yourself staring at some random food or your fingers automatically typing a fast food’s online delivery website? Well, it happened to me just now and I am not regretting it… yet.

 

So a little past 3, I find myself mesmerized by the McDelivery website. I was staring at the menu and getting hungrier and hungrier by the minute. Soon, T and S passed by my cube and I immediately asked them if they feel like ordering. T hesitated while S gamely said yes.

Since it has been the norm in the office that if you plan to order, you have to ask people around first unless you want them to give you the why-didn’t-you-tell-me-you’re-going-to-order-and-now-you’re-making-me-very-jealous glare. I asked around and ended up ordering for 9 people.

It was fun ordering online. Plus human error has been minimized as the one ordering can read his or her order before clicking “done”. I love that there is also the option “change for” which I find perfect as we normally do not have the exact amount ready. 

Again? Maybe not.

It’s my favorite month in a few days. I just love Valentine’s Day and of course, my birthday (hihi). So in preparation for the day of L-O-V-E, two of my friends and I thought of giving each other something. I decided to order online as there’s an enticing promo that I just have to get it! Hey, it was 30% off.

Most of my friends know that I am not a fan of online transactions as it scares me. I only did it once and tried buying something for N but it ended up… wrong. *sigh*

So when I came across this promo, I chose to pay in cash. Since the order won’t be delivered till the 14^th, I made sure that I ask for a receipt just in case. So let me narrate my online shopping experience.

It was the typical process of choosing what I want, entering the details, choosing your preferred payment method and wait for an email or call for verification. Smooth. Easy. Convenient. Well… not really.

The delivery company called me three times.

One was to confirm my order, billing address and that I have to email them again the delivery address and my little note as it was cut in their system. Not much of a hassle.

Call number two was to tell me that the price on their site was discounted and final and that I need to pay on or before February 1 to get the special rate. Sure, no problem. I told the sales representative that I could pay the following day but I will need a change for PHP1500 as I might be out of change. She noted that.

Call number three was to confirm the best time to get the payment and I said on or before 11 a.m.. She confirmed by saying that their guy will be in my office at 10 a.m..

So, “the following day” came and no one came to get my payment. No call. Nothing. I was a bit busy too that day so I wasn’t able to call to follow up.