New Bites at Sunnies Café

Sunnies Café has been known to be one of the best places for Instagram-worthy snapshots. But more than those pastel colored pictures, its bang for the buck dishes will tickle you pink. And same is true for its new dishes.

Hello, Sunnies Café. 

I still remember the first time I visited Sunnies Café. It was during its opening day and the famous gals behind the successful brand Sunnies were there too for a shoot. Fast forward to two years later, Sunnies Café still remains as one of the favorite spots of millennials (and surprisingly titas of Manila as well). 

First Bite: La Maripili

Churro has been one of my go-to afternoon snacks ever since my mom spoiled me to trips to the classic Dulcinea. I've been an avid fan of this deep-fried treat dipped in thick hot chocolate and I couldn't help myself from ordering it every time I see it on the menu or at the amusement park. 

Hello, La Maripili.

La Maripili is no stranger to southern folks. After all, this is where its all started. It has been talked about and hyped that it made me want to brave the traffic just for a serving of churros. But my schedule was uncooperative and I ended up just drooling over the photos. Thankfully, it opened another branch at Ayala Malls the 30th. 

First Bite: Harlan + Holden

Harlan + Holden instantly charmed me when I saw photos of its picturesque cafe in Rockwell. Call me sucker for Instagram-worthy places but I did my research and read great reviews of this place prompting me to ask R and his parents to a trip here one afternoon.

Hello, Harlan + Holden. 

First Sip: Mozafrió

It may be a couple of months to go before Christmas but the intense summer heat is here to stay. I always find myself wanting and craving for cold treats like ice cream and milkshakes. And last week, I discovered Mozafrió.

Hello, Mozafrió. 

This milkshake store is located on the second floor of the hip and very millennial The Food Hive in Quezon City. 

First Bite: Atelier Vivanda

I yearned to visit Atelier Vivanda ever since I saw an Instagram post about its grand opening and the fact that it is a two-star Michelin restaurant. I wanted to have dinner there for Valentine's but I was a bit too late to make a reservation. Luckily, R's dad decided to celebrate his birthday there (and it was just one day ahead of mine). Yay! 

Hello, Atelier Vivanda!

It is... not as fancy as I thought. I read a bit about the restaurant and it sounded so formal hence I was surprised that the place is pretty casual. I also had this impression that the place is huge and majestic. But the place is quite small. In fact, it is very cramped.

R and I headed straight to the second floor where R's sister reserved a table for everyone. The space upstairs seemed to be even more cramped. The waiters can't avoid bumping into the diners' chairs or backs and it is never pleasant to experience this.

Anyway, R and I opted to get the set menu for PHP1,900. It comes with an entree, mains, unlimited side dishes and dessert. I got Potato Soup for my appetizer, Vendee Yellow Chicken Breast for main, and Custard for dessert. R went with Whole Cooked Foie Gras, Black Angus Hampe, and Crème Brûlée. The server who assisted us offered to let us try all their potato side dishes.

Since the place was packed when we visited, it took them quite a long time to serve our dishes. It was almost 20 minutes in when the appetizers arrived. 

I was not impressed with R's foie gras. It was a bit dry and seemed like a solidified foie gras pate. 

I loved my soup though. It was thick and rich. Serving was also very generous. Actually, a bit too generous as it was too heavy as an appetizer. It was delightfully creamy with lovely tanginess from the Comté cheese and tinge of saltiness from the smoked haddock. 

In about 20 minutes, our mains were served.

R's black Angus steak seemed to be a bit small and rather thin but taste-wise, it did not disappoint. Cooked medium, the meat was succulent and nicely seasoned. 

It was flavorful enough for you to also appreciate the natural flavor of the meat. 

McCafé Macarons

I don’t know why McDonald’s is so irresistible. I always find myself attracted to it whenever I travel or simply cross the street. The bright M makes me forget the horrifying tale of Supersize Me. Anyway, one of the reasons why I visit McDonald’s in other countries is to find out how different these are from the ones in Manila. We all know that there’s the squid ink bun and taro pie. But I never thought that Mcdonald’s could be so fancy.

Hello, McDonald’s Hong Kong!

While looking for a place for lunch (which eventually became Sushi One), we spotted McDonald’s. The signage promoting its Salted Caramel and Tiramisu Latte caught our attention and skipped Sushi One’s tempting chocolate lava cake to try the latte.

 

We decided to stop by the famous clown’s place and ordered Iced Tiramisu Latte (HK$32, Grande) and added HK$10 to avail one Salted Caramel… MACARON.

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.

Love at First Bite: Artisan Emporium

I am now a frustrated foodie. Ever since I left Kapitolyo, I hardly explore. And I found out last week that there are around 5-7 new restaurants in Kapitolyo. SEVEN! I really have to explore this weekend! Anywaaaay, a few weeks back, I went to Spice & Cleaver and while waiting for R, I spotted a new bakery named Artisan Emporium and I decided to check it out.

Hello, Artisan Emporium.

The new bakery was just 2 days old when I visited and the first thing that caught my eye was the display chiller on the counter. They have salted caramel, chocolate and red velvet panna cotta (PHP180/jar). I wanted to get chocolate but the staff recommended red velvet. Thinking that R prefers red velvet, I bought that one instead.

And I totally forgot about it till three days later.

Cebu Food Stop: La Marea

I make sure that every time I visit Cebu I stop by La Marea. The café known for its warm brownie cup is a must-visit place for foodies and chocolate lovers.

Hello again, La Marea!

Since we were still full from our Maya dinner, R and I opted to share one cup of Classic Warm Brownie Cup (PHP110) and a slice of Frozen Brazo de Mecedes (PHP85) and Classic Sylvanna (PHP17.5).

First to arrive was the brownie cup. As always, it was a wonderful contrast of warm chocolate brownie and cold vanilla ice cream. It was delectable!

Next served was the frozen Brazo de Mercedes and sylvanna.

The sylvanna was nothing extraordinary and the cake was just okay. I still prefer the one I had from Spätzle. 

La Marea is located at Crossroads, Banilad Cebu City.

Bacon Steak Heaven: Balboa

Friday traffic never fails to discourage me from exploring other places. Just like last Friday, R and I were supposed to visit Xocolat near UP. But since traffic gets more intense on Fridays, we decided to go to Shangri-La instead. And I find it tough to choose where to eat there since I already tried all the restaurants. (Good thing my favorites such as Spätzle, Kettle, Balboa, Brotzeit, and Duck & Buvette are there.) R let me choose where to eat and I chose…

Balboa! It has been a while.

I still remember how much I raved about its roasted chicken. I told my family, friends, and colleagues how much I love Balboa’s roasted chicken. I’m a fan. (Okay, enough of the chicken.)

This time around, R and I ordered the following: Cream of Squash (PHP209), Bacon Steak (PHP448) and Lasagna (PHP319). For drinks, R got the Salted Caramel (PHP175) while I chose Lychee, Lime and Honey (PHP138).

The drinks arrived first and my drink was quite refreshing. It wasn’t that sweet and it has a slight citrus taste from the lime. The lychee taste was faint though.

R loved his salted caramel. It was quite milky and surprisingly not as sweet as I thought.

The Cream of Squash had a light texture making it a good appetizer. I loved the slight sweetness of the soup.

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. 

Sweet Find: Chez Karine

I first heard of this store from B and ever since she bought a box of macarons, I’ve been curious if it really tastes good (as B was really looking forward to buying a box of it). Months passed by and finally, I managed to grab a few macarons.

 

Hello, Chez Karine!

 

This small pastry shop has a charming feel to it. Filled with light colored items, it sure screams “cute”. I went straight to the macarons and asked the friendly server for their best sellers.

She suggested that I get the Earl Grey, Salted Caramel, Dark Chocolate and Strawberry (all macarons are priced at PHP50/each). I decided to get the first three and opted to get coffee instead of strawberry as my sister is not very fond of it. 

I also bought one Muscovado Pudding (PHP100) and Mango Panna Cotta (PHP100).

Weekend Love: Gourmandise Patisserie

I had a solo date a few Saturdays ago and though at some point it felt a bit lonely, I was able to visit some stores I wanted to visit and one of which was Gourmandise Patisserie. 

While walking, I spotted a small éclair place that could house at most 8 people. I remembered the name of the store. It was one of the featured sweets in the desserts issue of Yummy magazine and I even got to sample some before! Oh yum!

I hurriedly entered the place and checked out the different flavors.

I wasn’t feeling very adventurous then so I opted to order the more popular ones such as Salted Caramel, Chocolate, Praline, Vanilla Bean, and Coffee (PHP100/each). I also ordered some Salted Caramel macarons (PHP65/each) and a cup of cappuccino (PHP85) as snacks while resting from my mini walkathon.

While waiting for my order, a party of 5 arrived and I realized that the place was really packed already. No wonder there was a table outside the shop too.

The coffee is your typical cappuccino and it isn’t anything spectacular and I really do not have high expectations as it’s not a coffee place. The macaron on the other hand is another story. It was HEAVENLY.