Popeyes Philippines: Is it really as good as people say?

Popeyes Luisiana Kitchen's store opening was one of the most anticipated food events last year. The crazy queue, rain or shine, was enough to keep everyone curious. And it sure made me wonder too if Popeyes offers way better fried chicken compared to other fast food joints here in Manila. And after a few failed attempts, I finally got to visit its first store in Arcovia City. 

Hello, Popeyes!

I remember having Popeyes in California and it was pretty good. I'd drop by on Tuesdays to avail of its tempting price on its 2-piece dark or white meat chicken at $1.14 for thigh and leg; and $1.99 for breast and wing. However, it didn't really strike me as a superb dish worth lining up for hours. But I might be wrong given all the positive reviews I've read.

First Bite: Tsujiri

Tsujiri has been known as matcha paradise. By using premium green tea and complemented by curated Japanese toppings, this new player in the market has been well-received despite its intimidating price range. I've been wanting to visit its first store in S Maison but the traffic hinders me from visiting. Thankfully, it opened somewhere closer to home.

Hello, Tsujiri!

I was so giddy when I found out that Tsujiri opened its doors in BGC. Located on the third floor of SM Aura, I could finally indulge in what serious matcha lovers consider as the best green tea ice cream around.

First Bite: Bluesmith Coffee & Kitchen

I've been curious about Bluesmith Coffee & Kitchen since it opened its branch in Katipunan. Seeing several mouthwatering photos of its dishes online made my taste buds excited. However, my schedule was so crazy these past months that I didn't get to find time to swing by the area. Thankfully, it opened in Greenbelt 3 which is a bit closer to home. 

Hello, Bluesmith Coffee & Kitchen.

Restaurant Love: Single Origin

Breakfast is love. If breakfast is a guy, I’d definitely date him and who knows, marry him as well. There’s something so appealing with breakfast that I simply could not stop having it all day long. And a lot of foodies share the same addiction hence the number of all-day breakfast restaurants around the city. One of my favorites is Single Origin and it surely delighted my tastebuds when I dropped by its second branch a few months ago. 

Hello, Single Origin. 

This was my first time to visit its Rockwell branch which opened last September and I noticed that it is bigger than its BGC branch. 

I was greeted by warm hues of brown, suspended lights and charming flowers on each table. I also spotted a few communal tables which are perfect for large groups or those who do not like feeling alone. 

Foodie Alert: Jollibee Halo-Halo Sundae

The happy bee’s social media accounts posted its newest offerings--Halo-Halo Sundae and Adobo Flakes two days ago and the Jollibee foodie community went crazy! 

It all started when my college friend B posted a photo of Jollibee’s Adobo Flakes “no pork” burger and Halo-Halo sundae at 11 pm. I quickly shared the post with R and as usual, my giddiness died down when R didn’t find it interesting. 

The case is totally different though with my looloo friends. Food excites them (and anything matcha turns most of them wild). R2 and looloo Community Ambassador J were the first ones to try the new offerings and said that it was good. Not exactly superb or drool worthy but not bad for the price you pay. 

I wanted to head to Jollibee after work yesterday to try it but R’s dad wanted to eat out and so I had to head home right after as they’ll pick me up at my place. 

But I finally got to try it earlier for lunch. 

We had some delivered and it arrived like milkshake. (We quickly placed it inside the freezer but it didn’t really help much. It melted even more!)

As for the taste, it was simply vanilla sundae with halo-halo toppings. Nothing more, nothing less.

They scrimped on the toppings as I only got 4 jellies, roughly 6 beans and 4 coconut strings. I also had about 1 cm of langka. And I’m not even exaggerating here. 

Then again, it was a nice treat to help you cool down. Just don’t expect too much.  

Beat Summer Heat 101: Hot Star Soft Serve Ice Cream

Global warming. Climate change. El Niño. Crazy summer heat.

There are times when I just want to be indoors and not to leave my air conditioned room for days. And then I'll realize how expensive that will be. (I hate being an adult.) So a cheaper alternative is to head out and buy ice cream. Make that a gallon or two.

I remember one instance when I felt like my skin was melting and it was just January then! I was in Eastwood that time looking for a place to have dessert. I spotted Hot Star and remembered that they sell really affordable sundae cones. I dragged my sister with me and we immediately ordered a cone each. I got Black Gulaman while my sister got Almond (PHP15 per cone).

I loved mine! It definitely tasted like black gulaman. It had that sweet syrup and jello taste. *yum*

My sister on the other hand hated hers. I try to avoid almond flavored desserts or drinks because of its medicine-y and aiiiieeee-what-the-heck-is-this aftertaste. And my sister forgot that she also dislikes almond desserts and drinks. She ended up throwing hers. Some of my cousins who followed threw their almond sundaes too. (Such a waste but I wouldn't want to eat something I do not like.

I'm really happy with my sundae though and I would love to go back for more. 

Remember, get black gulaman! 

Hot Star is located at 2nd floor, Eastwood City Walk 2,E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue, Eastwood City, Quezon City.