Ladurée in Manila!

I love macarons. But I hate the snootiness that goes with it for those who fancy it. I still remember the time I had to listen to this person raving about the French macarons and that it would never be at par with the local ones. There are also those who say that the pricy branded macarons are the bes- thing-evaaah. To be honest, yes, the macarons are crazy expensive but most actually taste the same. (Well, it is for me.) Then came Ladurée in the local scene.

Hello, Ladurée.

Just when I thought that the macaron craze was dying, this well-known and well-loved brand entered the market. I hear people going crazy over it. I did too… when I saw the price per macaron. PHP150 per piece?! Are you kidding me?!

But the foodie in me could not stop being curious. It must be really good then if it was priced that high.

Then again, when I found out that the macarons are not made here and are flown in from Paris (every single time), its price started to make sense. Sort of. True, they may use premium ingredients but it’s the air freight and taxes that made the macarons expensive.

I have to admit though, the Ladurée store here is really fancy.

Oh, they also have some non-food items like perfume and accessories.

Molito Food Stop: Le Petit Cheri

There are so many new restaurants here, there and just about everywhere! I went crazy when I spotted Molito, the new foodie haven in the south. I saw several new establishments I have never seen before and I am so excited to visit those places soon. Earlier, I posted about Ramen Yushoken. The place offer really flavorful ramen. Since we still had had 30 minutes to explore Molito before going home, my sister and I dashed to Le Petit Cheri.

Hello, Le Petit Cheri.

It had an eerie ambiance as we were the only ones there when we visited. And it didn’t seem to be a good sign. But it was recommended by a few friends so I had faith in this establishment.

Since we were not in the mood for anything savory, we went straight to desserts and stared at the display cooler. I got the White Chocolate Cheesecake (PHP148), Baked Polvoron (PHP78) and several macarons: Caramel, Salted Coffee, Purple Yam, Red Velvet, and Strawberry (PHP38 each).

I ordered the baked polvoron since it intrigued me. I love polvoron but I never really had a chance to try a baked version of it. The texture was similar to a rather hard cookie and it wasn’t as sweet as the well-loved Goldilocks polvoron. Actually, it tasted just like a slightly bland cookie. 

I ordered the White Chocolate Cheesecake since it was the most photogenic among the cakes available then. It was very dense and thick and it didn’t have the tart that I like from cheesecakes. It also made me remember why I don’t like white chocolate. In short, I will not order this again… ever. But white chocolate lovers might enjoy this.

The macarons were pretty decent though for its affordable price. My favorite was the salted coffee (which I cleared with the person who assisted us if it’s really coffee and not caramel). It tasted just like coffee but it wasn’t as sweet. The ganache was so thick though.

Restaurant Love: Poetry & Prose Patisserie

I have never been fond of partying, clubbing or bar hopping. Some people say that I’m missing a lot. Maybe. But I am a-okay with that. It is just not for me. I don’t dance to *tugs tugs tugs* nor do I like to scream just to be heard. I am happy with being in a coffee shop or tea place and munch on some pastries and have a nice chat with friends. Fine, I'm a cat lady without a cat.

It has been a while since I last met my good friends A and I. I really enjoy being a third wheel when I’m with them.

This time, we decided to hold our bible study at Poetry & Prose Patisserie as A has been curious with its food and I have always wanted to try the pastries.

After a quick look at the menu, A went with the Baba au Rhum (PHP105) and a cup of tea (PHP125) while I ordered the Bread Basket (PHP275).  I ordered a cup of Café Latte (PHP105), Financiers (PHP85) and Mango Mousse (PHP255).

First served were our drinks.

My café latte was slightly sweet and the coffee’s taste wasn’t that strong. Perhaps I should have ordered cappuccino instead. However, I always order cappuccino. I wanted it to be stronger to have a better contrast with the sweet pastries.

Now Serving Tea: TWG Tea Salon and Boutique, Shangri-La Plaza Mall

I am so fascinated with TWG. Call me a frustrated British wannabe but there is something so comforting dining at TWG. I feel so girly and classy.*blinks slowly* All those tea cans, charming golden tea pots, dainty pastries and even rock sugar (is that how you call it?), I feel like I’m back to my kiddie days playing tea party with friends.

TWG Shangri-La branch is now open! Yahoo!

The place was slightly packed when we arrived and it was already past 9 p.m. that time. Well, it was a Friday. But it was not a pay day weekend.

Since we all came from dinner c/o birthday girl L, we opted to just have tea and a few pastries. 

YUMMY EATS 2013 COUNTDOWN: 19 days to go!

It’s the time of the year again when we get to discover great dishes and meet amazing food entrepreneurs with crazily creative ideas on how to turn simple dishes extraordinary. Yes, it’s Yummy Eats time again!

We were lucky to get first hand dibs on the products the concessionaires will sample. With over 50 concessionaires, we had a hard time focusing on which products to try first. But here’s a teaser of what to expect on the 18^th of May at the NBC Tent.

Pio’s Paella offers classic and black paella. The clams and shrimps used were undeniably fresh. Every spoonful is oozing with flavors.

Baby Pat Breads and Pastries offers usual ensaymadas and your not so usual ones. With the craze of Speculoos, they now have Speculoos ensaymada! You must taste that!

 

Love cheesecakes? Food Lab will be selling their rich cheesecakes and will sample it too! Try it with their cookies for added crunch!

Or how about bacon? Mad Meats Bacon will be serving its bacon slabs while The Kitchen Slave will have its Smocked Bacon Caramels available.