Takeout Picks: Black Scoop

Black Scoop is one of my go-to milk tea shops since 2018. With its delectable fruit teas and addictive milk teas, it's hard not to grab a few drinks whenever I pass by a branch. I know that they have savory meals too, but I only got to try some of its dishes during the community quarantine. And since I now know that they have good chicken poppers, I decided to grab some again after my OB appointment. 

Hello, Black Scoop.

For a milk tea shop, Black Scoop offers a good range of dishes to complement its sweet drinks. Its menu includes rice meals, sandwiches, pasta, and snacks. 

When in Thailand: Krabi Island (Day 2)

Don't you just love it when you don't have to rush in the morning? We had such start on our second day at Krabi Island. We headed out of our first hotel, Holiday Inn Express past noon and moved to another resort which is just a few steps away. 

Day 2 at Krabi Island

We decided to try Aonang Buri Resort which belongs to a group that also manages Buri Tara Resort and Blue Sotel. 

Second Bite: Hello Kitty Cafe

My first Hello Kitty Cafe experience at its newly opened Uptown Bonifacio branch wasn't exactly love at first bite. In fact, I was disappointed with it. But it was hard to decline an invite from the well-loved Sanrio character. As a believer of second chances, I found myself back at this very pink place two weeks after my first visit. 

Hello again, Hello Kitty Cafe!

This time around, I was warmly welcomed by one of the staff who ushered me to my reserved seat, the most requested couches with what seems to be enclosed in a huge golden bird cage (with the signature Hello Kitty bow). Apparently, Hello Kitty Cafe do accept reservations, but only on weekdays. 

First Sip: Tom N Toms Coffee

It is interesting how many Korean brands are entering the country. From cosmetics to food brands, these things we used to only see in K-Drama are now within reach. And it wasn't surprising to see this popular cafe brand to enter the local scene as well.
 
Hello, Tom N Toms Coffee!

When in Cebu: 10,000 Roses Café

 I always look forward to my Cebu visits as it means pigging out and indulging in some cholesterol-filled lechon. I also love that most of the new Cebu restaurants pay attention to ambiance and not just offering good food. But one café stood out and outdid everyone in the ambiance category when it filled its front yard with 10,000 roses. 

Hello, 10,000 Roses Café.

This place is at the end of Cordova and the last two to three hundred meters are not accessible by car.

Love at First Bite: Xtremely Xpresso

A few weeks ago, I went to Anvaya Cove with some college friends and R. The place would have been extra nice if the weather cooperated. Nonetheless, it was a fun trip! And since we're already in Subic, I made sure that we stop by Xtremely Xpresso.

Hello, Xtremely Xpresso!

The place was packed when we arrived but we were lucky to get a table for six right away.

While the staff was clearing our table, we roamed around and the first thing we noticed was that there are different concepts in play. The main dining area of Xtremely Xpresso has an old  American diner feel with its vintage light boxes. 

The other dining area had an English tea salon feel.

Once our table was set up, we ordered Big Ben Xtreme (PHP729) for sharing. R and I also ordered Bacon Cheeseburger (PHP180), Meat Lasagna (PHP200), and Pumpkin Soup (PHP120). For drinks, we opted for Raspberry Avalanche (PHP100) and Caramel Daze (PHP100).

R's drink sure was berrylicious. It was really sweet! Mine had a nice hint of coffee with the sweet taste of caramel. R and I both liked the Caramel Daze more than the Raspberry Avalanche.

The pumpkin soup was creamy and had that sweet taste that I love. The crispy bacon bits added a nice contrast in flavor and texture.

Next served was our lasagna. It was cheesy and meaty! I loved it! It may not be sophisticated or the classy type of lasagna but this comfort dish is a winner! I packed the leftover lasagna for lunch the following day and it was still as good as when it was served at the restaurant.