First Bite: Indulgence by Irene Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

I love all sorts of cookies--from the commercially produced ones to the gooey batches you get from home bakers. Lately, I've been obsessed with the latter and would often find myself grabbing a few at food fairs. And I was lucky to get my hands on some Indulgence by Irene cookies a few weeks back when I met the foodie couple Richard and Irene. 
 
Hello, Indulgence by Irene.

Indulgence by Irene has been baking and delighting foodies for years now. Known for its delightful cheesecakes, Irene can definitely bake addictive cookies too!

A Peanut Lover's Dream: Fix & Fogg

Moving out has been one of the boldest moves I've done my whole life. Though it's something expected when you've reached a certain age, my decision to go solo was more of because of work and not because I felt it was time to spread my wings. And it was tough at first. From being used to having everything ready for me, I had to do things on my own and that includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. And as a person not fond of eating out that often, I learned to cook and love making a mess in the kitchen. But on lazy days, I'd often find myself grabbing a slice of bread and spread. And my go to spread? Peanut butter. 

Hello, Fix & Fogg.

Fix & Fogg is an artisanal brand from New Zealand. Known for pushing the envelope when it comes to peanut butter flavors, it became a popular choice for peanut butter lovers and adventurous foodies alike. 

Love at First Bite: Scout’s Honor

I love anything personalized or customized. It shows that effort and thought were put into it and it makes whatever was made more special. Well, I always feel special when I receive one. I also find it fun to make one so it was such a thrill to make my own cookie! Curious where I crafted my own cookie? Scout’s Honor at Hole in the Wall.

Hello, Scout’s Honor!

This cute cookie and milk place is the first thing you’ll see once you enter Hole in the Wall. Scout’s Honor’s display of milk bottles and cookies will instantly make you salivate (if you love milk and cookies).

I was all oohs and aahs while checking the different ready-to-eat cookies, cookie dough, toppings and milk flavors. After much thought, I decided to get Cookie Inception (PHP95), Rocky Road, Peanut Butter and Nutty (PHP180 for 3 pieces—and yes, it has to be three pieces). I also crafted my own cookie (PHP120) and got Bamboo Charcoal Milk (PHP110).

For my very own Gluttonshopper cookie, I opted to go with the chewy chocolate chip cookie dough with almonds and marshmallow. The cookie master told me that the chewy chocolate chip cookie dough is one of their bestsellers and bestseller is a magic word with me. (UPDATE: They now have red velvet cookie dough! Get yours now as it’s a limited offering.)

True enough, I did love my cookie. It’s not that photogenic but the chewy dough and mallows with a slight bite from the almonds was divine! I love munching it warm with my cold milk.

Love at First Bite: La Lola Churreria

A few weeks ago, I saw a Nokia Snake Level 10 line while buying taho at Powerplant Mall. Apparently, there’s a new craze in town and it’s the churros of La Lola Churreria. New? Yes. Yummy? I heard. Game? Definitely!!! Long queues never fail to make me curious.

Hello, La Lola Churreria!

We got to the place around 1 PM and the line was more manageable that time so we decided to join the craze.

I wanted to try all but K and E were hesitant with the idea as we were still going to visit Salt for lunch and it could kill our appetite. (And I was thinking… right! As if that could kill my appetite! I even had sorbetes before heading to the churros place.)

Anyway, we all compromised and just ordered Classic Churros (PHP110, medium 6 pcs | PHP195, large 12 pcs | PHP275 Xlarge 18 pcs) and Xuxos or stuffed churros—Nutella, Strawberry and Peanut Butter (PHP120 each). We also got a large Hot Chocolate Dip (PHP100).

 

The Classic Churros with Hot Chocolate Dip were served on a paper cone and you may eat it while walking or stick the cone on the table (the tables have holes for the pointy part of the cone) and eat it while people watching.

A Milkshake Comeback: Once Upon A Milkshake

My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard... What does that even mean?! Well, I know one thing, milkshake is L-O-V-E. 

Some of the best milkshakes I have tried before were the ones from In-N-Out and Shake Shack. Creamy, rich, and just so heavenly!

 

In Manila, the one I can recall is Peanut Butter Company's Dark Chocolate PB Banana Milkshake. Yummy and great for sharing (calories included).

But I'm sensing the craze will be back again with Once Upon A Milkshake. 

Let’s Paint the Town… PINK.

One chilly night, we decided to brave the cold winds and bend down to look for stars… at the WALK OF FAME area in Hollywood. But this is another story. The Tommy’s trip after the long walk is also another story. What I wanted to share in this entry is how we painted the town… pink. Or how the wind made our noses pink.

Another must visit place according to my friends was Pinkberry. I’ve heard a lot of good reviews about this place… that it serves really good yogurt, that the place is über cute, and Kim Kardashian loves hanging out here (uh, where did this come from?).

We were supposed to go home already as it was already past 12 midnight when we finished posing with the stars… on the floor of the Walk of Fame. But our eager tour guide R wanted to tour us around Burbank. As he was the one who does the driving, we just sat back quietly as he drove to the place he called his “favorite hangout”.

With our toes curled and noses turning pink, we strolled around Burbank and saw… PINKBERRY. Well, they were about to close already when we arrived yet they still welcomed us with smiling faces. I love you already!