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.

Quarantine Favorite: Butter and Cheese Creations' Red Velvet Cheesecake

Being pregnant made me crave sweet food all the time. I developed an insatiable appetite for anything chocolate as soon as I hit the second trimester. And my OB-GYNE is not happy about it. I try my best to curb my desire for this sweet treat to no avail. Thankfully, some shops offer cakes and other desserts with less guilt. And one of my current obsessions now is Butter and Cheese Creations' Red Velvet Cheesecake. 

Hello, Butter and Cheese Creations.

Butter and Cheese Creations is an online cake shop owned by Christine Tan, a pilot mommy who has a knack at baking delectable cakes. She decided to pursue her passion for baking during the pandemic. Her current menu of cakes includes red velvet cheesecake, carrot cake, caramel custard cake, super fudge chocolate, mud cake, and ube cake.

Quarantine Favorite: The Ordinary Sip's White Fungus Dessert

One of the best things we can do for ourselves during this global pandemic is to strengthen our immune system. We could do so by exercising or eating the right food. The first option is becoming too difficult for me when I enter my 9th month of pregnancy, so I try my best to eat nutritious food for me and my baby, Sam. And I'm so happy to discover a delectable treat that not only tastes so good but packed with health benefits perfect for expectant moms like me. 

Hello, The Ordinary Sip.

The Ordinary Sip is the newest brainchild of the talented girls behind Nacho Macho MNL. This time around, they came up with a not so usual dessert that R and I love. 

Beat the Heat and Flu with AICE's Milk & Eggs Ice Cream

Living in Manila is like getting used to being roasted daily. And I mean 'roasted' in a literal way as it hardly gets cold here. Hence, many crave cold treats such as halo-halo, bingsu, and other icy desserts almost 24/7. I'm so glad that ice cream is one of the most easily available heat relief products in the market, and it was made even better by AICE.

Hello, AICE.

With its appealing combination of affordable price points, a wide variety of flavors, and quality products, it was not surprising for Filipinos to go gaga over AICE since it launched in the Philippines back in 2018.

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.

Food Delivery: Overdoughs Crinkles

Pregnancy has turned me into a crinkle monster. My appetite for this baked treat seems to be insatiable. I always find myself drooling at the idea of having more. Thankfully, one of my favorite brands, Overdoughs, added it in its list of delectable offerings!

Hello, Overdoughs Crinkles.

Overdoughs is one of my top cookie brands. Aside from selling amazing cookies, its passion toward the deaf-mute community made this food group one of the best in my book. And I was thrilled when I found out that they're now offering crinkles!

ECQ Favorite: Martin Markus' Frozen Apple Crumble and Classic Burnt Cheesecake

A meal is never complete without desserts. I'd always grab some sweets after a meal to end each one in a good note. And when Gina Young of Gold Leaf Tea told me that she revived her dessert business, Martin Markus, I was excited to try it out! After all, how can one resist cheesecake and apple crumble?

Hello, Martin Markus.

Martin Markus opened once again a few weeks ago. It has been steadily gaining patrons with its limited yet mouthwatering selection of desserts. 

ECQ Favorite: Soy Bueno

I love taho. It never fails to make me smile and do quick cardio in the morning whenever I hear "tahooooo". But the lockdown caused by COVID-19 made it hard for me to get hold of my favorite morning snack. Sure, there are a bunch of online shops selling taho but most offer chilled taho which I dislike. Thankfully, I stumbled upon Soy Bueno. 

Hello, Soy Bueno. 

Soy Bueno seems to be a relatively new brand based on its social media activities. But newbie or not, this brand sure knows how to make its customers happy in the morning!

ECQ Favorite: Flourist's Chocolate Crinkles

Don't you just hate it when you have this intense craving for something but you're stuck at home? I know that there are countless online shops and apps to help us out but smaller businesses prefer to do it through online bank transfer which I never bothered to activate before. And when I had this crazy desire for chocolate crinkles, I reached out to several brands asking if they'd accept Grab Pabili. But most prefer advanced payment. Until one sensed my desperation and said yes to my request. And that was the start of my love for Flourist.

Hello, Flourist. 

Flourist is a relatively new home baker who specializes in cookies and crinkles. I noticed this brand when a handful of acquaintances posted their purchases from this store on Instagram. 

Overdoughs Now Offers Cookie Cakes

February is my favorite month! I love seeing everything turn into hearts. From traffic lights to burgers and pancakes, things get extra romantic every February. And it got even sweeter when I received a huge heart-shaped cookie cake. 

Hello, Overdoughs Cookie Cake!

Overdoughs is one of my favorite dessert brands in town. My love for Overdoughs started with its delectable beignets and dips. And it became stronger when it launched its rich and flavorful cookies. Its commendable support for the deaf and mute community makes it an even tougher brand to beat. 

Cara Mia Brings Back its Strawberry Shortcake this February

With traffic lights flashing red hearts and flower stalls popping left and right, there's no denying that love is in the air. And there's no better way to celebrate Valentine's Day (or birthday) than with Cara Mia's Strawberry Shortcake.

Yes, Cara Mia's Strawberry Shortcake is back!

Kumori's Cookies Made with Meji Chocolate

2019 brought out the cookie monster in everyone. From palm-size to super fudgy, there are several kinds of cookies baked to meet every foodie's fancy. And just when I thought I couldn't love Kumori more, it joined the cookie craze and launched three cookies worth every penny (and calorie).

Hello, Kumori. 

Kumori has been known for its divine Hanjuku Cheese, premium pastries and delightful beverages. And it made the holiday season merrier when it released three great cookies topped with Meiji Chocolates!

Avocadoria: One of the Biggest Food Trends of 2019

From mango float to avocado ice cream, fruity desserts was undeniably one of the biggest food trends last 2019. I had a terrible experience with the mango float craze though that it took me a long while before trying its avocado counterpart. And I'm glad to share that my Avocadoria experience was a lot better. 

Hello, Avocadoria. 

Avocadoria grew to be one of the hottest brands in 2019 when several media outlets and influencers took notice of this dessert kiosk. And it was not long after for the brand to expand to multiple branches with several copycats in tow. 

Have You Tried Cara Mia's Gelato Sandwiches?

Cara Mia has been one of my go to brands for desserts. Its superb Mango Cream Pie, Ube Cake and Strawberry Shortcake are just a few of the desserts I'm in love with. And last October, Cara Mia launched a new treat that would make everyone hooked for more. Anyone up for Gelato Sandwiches?

Hello, Cara Mia's Gelato Sandwiches.

Cara Mia is like a dessert fairy godmother with all the wonderful sweets it made for us to indulge in. And when this sweet tooth haven released its gelato sandwiches, I was beyond thrilled. 

First Bite: Meet Fresh

My heart always skip a beat whenever I hear the manly "tahoooooo" echo in the morning. I'd hurriedly look for small bills, get out of my PJs and run as fast as I could to the gate and eagerly wait for my favorite morning treat. But more often than not, I miss the manong magtataho or he skips our street. Thankfully, a new store opened that sells something better than taho. 

Hello, Meet Fresh!

Meet Fresh is the newest dessert shop in town and it opened its first store in Podium Mall. 

First Bite: Lola Cafe + Bar

Lola Cafe + Bar is one of the most recommended restaurants in Tomas Morato. Known for its quaint ambiance and interesting menu, I've been wanting to visit this place for years! And finally, after three long years, the stars aligned and off we drove to this foodie district. 

Hello, Lola Cafe + Bar. 

We visited Lola on a Tuesday night and the restaurant's parking was packed! We were told that we could park nearby as long as we get to have half the car up the sidewalk. 

When in El Nido: The Red Crab Alimango House

After days of swimming, snorkeling and climbing in Apulit and Miniloc, R and I were looking forward to finally relax at Lio, El Nido. Just thinking about lounging on its long shore and enjoying the area's chill vibe made us excited. But another thing made us giddy to spend a few days in this newly developed area... and that was to feast on good seafood.

Hello, The Red Crab Alimango House.

The Red Crab Alimango House opened in Lio Estate just last April and it's one of the best places to dine in the area.

First Bite: Cold Layers

Rainy days in Manila doesn't necessarily mean sweater weather. With the humid air we have in the city, it's not surprising to see people feast on ice cream, shaved ice or boba. And since a cold treat is always a good idea, I decided to swing by Cold Layers.

Hello, Cold Layers.

Cold Layers is known as a shaved ice shop. But it offers more than just those fluffy snow-like treats. Aside from it joining the boba craze, it also offers savory dishes perfect for breakfast, lunch, merienda and dinner!

First Bite: New Hatchin Grocerant

Japan is a happy place for me. I always look forward to supermarket runs where I get to grab all my favorite Japanese goodies and more. And when R's parents asked if we'd like to go to Hatchin, a Japanese grocerant, I quickly said yes!

Hello, New Hatchin Grocerant. 

New Hatchin Japanese Grocerant is a grocery store and restaurant in one. It has been around for quite a while in Makati and it finally opened a store along Katipunan last April.