Rediscovering Magnolia Gold Label Ice Cream

Christmas is just a few weeks away, but there does not seem to be a sign of the Manila getting cooler anytime soon. I survive the crazy weather by staying indoors, putting the A/C on full blast, and spoiling myself with cold treats! And I'm so happy to rediscover Magnolia's Gold Label ice cream. 

Hello, Magnolia Gold Label. 

With almost a century of ice cream-making expertise, Magnolia delighted the Filipino market with its lip-smacking desserts. It also plays a sweet part in some of our fondest memories with our loved ones. 

First Bite: Mihimihi

I hardly go out these days as I find Manila's traffic unbearable. But when I do, I see to it that I get to visit at least one new restaurant. And I was so thrilled when I accidentally discovered Mihimihi on my way home.

Hello, Mihimihi.

Mihimihi is a popular bakeshop from Guangzhou, China known for its eclair-shaped French puff pastries that come in different flavors and fillings. I've seen its shop a few times but our jam-packed Canton Fair schedule doesn't really allow me to explore the city that much. Luckily, these raved about baked goodies found its way to Manila. It opened its first store in SM Fairview last March and its second one opened in SM Megamall just a few weekends ago.

First Bite: Shaburi

After our fun dice game at R's place with his family, his siblings teased Uncle R, the chongwan winner, to treat the whole family (and I) to dinner at Buta+Wagyu. Unfortunately, the SM Aura Sale and traffic made us change plans. Eventually, we decided to try this new Japanese shabu-shabu place in Uptown Mall instead. 

Hello, Shaburi! 

Since we were a party of nine, R's sister H, took the initiative to place reservation so that we are guaranteed a table to fit everyone. The place though seems to be doing very well on its first two weeks as the earliest reservation slot was 8 pm. We just took the slot and had light snacks so that we won't turn hangry. 

We got to the place a few minutes before 8pm as R's family is strict with time. However, it seemed that Shaburi doesn't share the same value. There was no table available for us and we were told that it'll be available after half an hour. WHAT THE HECK?!? So what is the point of reserving a table if we have to wait outside the restaurant basking in humid Manila air and wait for half an hour for our table to be ready? 

We approached the front host and told her that we do not find waiting half an hour acceptable and that they should also respect the customers' time as we did with theirs by taking the effort to be there by 8 pm. Dazed, she told us that our table was being prepared. She told us that at 8:10 pm. 

As I grew even more impatient and hangry, I approached the front host again seven minutes later and found out that the table they were preparing for us was imaginary. The area supposedly reserved for us was still being occupied by other diners and it didn’t look like they will be done anytime soon. In short, she did a terrible blunder, lie to upset customers. 

Beat the Heat with Carousel Creamery Handcrafted Ice Cream 101 Flavors

Several reviews have been raving about Carousel Creamery's delightful customer service. They are also very active and interactive online and today was not an exemption.

Hello, Carousel Creamery! I NEED YOU! Save me from melting!!!

The crazy heat makes me picture the sun with a smirk on its face while looking down at us while we desperately look for ways to cool down. One of the quickest ways I could think of is to buy ice cream. 

After a great lunch at Dohtonbori, we decided to get some cold treats at the well loved ice cream parlor. And when we got there, the place was packed with other melting human beings. 

The order system seemed to have changed as we didn't have to pay first before sampling some flavors. There were also no tokens given. The cashier also told me to just approach any of the servers when I have decided on what I would like to order. 

I roamed around and squeezed my way from one display chest to another and sampled a few flavors namely--mango sorbet, green mango and a few more I could not remember the names but the tastes were a bit too sweet and heavy hence the reason why I didn't get those flavors. The mango sorbet was pretty good as it had a refreshing flavor. The green mango was a tangier version of mango sorbet but I was not in the mood for anything sour. I then asked for a flavor that has a nice light taste yet refreshing... and weird. He quickly recommended Olive and Basil. Weird enough. Game!

I sampled it and true enough, it had a nice light taste and it tasted weird at first. (It had a tinge of herby taste and it reminded K of pesto.) But I eventually grew fond of it. I found the one out of 101 flavors! 

Love at First Bite: Honey Creme

It's nice to share a good dessert with someone. But when I really want to try something new (or not so new) and could not drag anyone to get fat with me, I turn into the-heck-with-it-imma-try-it-by-myself-coz-I'm-independent. And that was what happened when I got to leave work early and went to SM Aura to do some grocery shopping. After months of waiting, I finally got (or decided) to try Honey Creme. 

Hello, Honey Creme!

I was planning to pay Honey Creme a visit with R but every time we plan to have dinner at SM Aura, we turn lazy and just eat whatever's available or nearby. But a few weeks back, I had some time to spare so I decided to drop by this ice cream place that has one of the most Instagrammed walls.

The place was quite empty when I passed by around 4 p.m. on a Tuesday. 

With 10 varieties to choose from, I went with Caramel Popcorn (PHP165) as I was in the mood for some popcorn. 

It was such a treat to see how they prepare my cup. The server was very generous with the toppings and even struggled to pack more popcorn in my cup. (Thank you!!!)

Now to do a mini pictorial with my delectable cup!

The place is very small and there are no tables available for diners. There is a bench though against the grass wall which was occupied by an elderly and her grandchild. Since I really want to have a nice backdrop for my ice cream, I asked them if I could hold my ice cream pictorial beside them. The old lady just smiled and moved her paper bag to the other side of the bench.

*Click.* *Adjust for better lighting.* *Click* (x10)

Now for a spoonful...

First Bite: Farmacy Ice Cream and Soda Fountain

I have been planning to visit Farmacy Ice Cream and Soda Fountain for almost a year now! But for some reason, I always end up going somewhere else till one Monday night.

My long wait is finally over! Hello, Farmacy Ice Cream and Soda Fountain!

The store is quite charming with its slightly retro signage.

I also loved the “prescriptions” sign which is a play with the name of the store (Farmacy—Pharmacy).

But what I loved most about this place is the oh-so-patient staff who let us try as many flavors as we want till we decide which one to order. I think I sampled over 8 flavors.

After my sampling spree, I decided to get Pick Me Up sundae (PHP280) which comes with Hazelnut, Vanilla and Coffee Verve ice cream, toffee nuts, whipped cream and an espresso shot topped with thin chocolate waffle. Since I wasn’t too crazy with vanilla, I went with Milk, one of the flavors R sampled. Milk was just like vanilla, only creamier. I also swapped whipped cream with sliced almonds for more texture.

And after a bit, my sundae arrived.

Food I Love: Vargas Kitchen's Brazo Bomb

A meal is not complete without desserts. There are even times when I look forward to desserts more than the main course. And one of my favorite desserts is from…

Vargas Kitchen.

I’m so glad that they expanded and have more branches. (The only one I know is in Market Place, Rockwell.) I have tried their buttercake and it was great! But my favorite is Vargas Kitchen’s Brazo Bomb!

Think of the delightful chilled Brazo de Mercedes and top it with soft and slightly chewy meringue. Okay, it’s more of brazo with vanilla whipped ice cream and Vargas Kitchen polvoron crust or so what their materials say.  

It is available in a box of 6 (mini cupcakes) for PHP180 or mini cake for PHP125 (pictured).

Give it a try!

Vargas Kitchen is located at Market Place Rockwell and Market Place Shangri-La Plaza Mall. 

Love at First Bite: Rita’s Ice-Custard-Happiness

I have been eying Rita’s for a long time now. Ever since it opened, I have heard and read nothing but praises. They say that this Italian custard really is “happiness” and finally, I got a taste of it last week.

Hello, Rita’s!

The place was packed when we visited but we didn’t mind the long wait as we couldn’t decide what to get. We got giddy with the thought of combining our favorite flavors but we were not so sure if it would work. Eventually, it was my turn and I asked the friendly guy manning the counter for recommendation.

I chose Gelati (PHP130 for regular) which is a combination of Italian flavored ice (think sorbet) and creamy custard. Since I wanted Strawberry-Banana (coffee was just too sweet!), he suggested that I pair it with vanilla custard. But I want to try more so I opted for the twist (chocolate with vanilla).

Presenting… chocolate vanilla twirl with strawberry-banana ice.

Love At First Sip: Kuppa Roastery & Cafe

Seriously, going on a food trip on a Sunday is a terrible idea especially if you want to do it at The Fort. Most stores close at 4 p.m. and clueless people like me and N just got tired walking to and from places and be faced with closed doors. *cue: sad music* But thankfully, a quaint coffee place was open and we decided to cap the day at...

Kuppa Roastery & Cafe !

The place was quite busy when we arrived as there were only a few vacant tables. We managed to get a couch though. Yahoo!

 

Despite the long walk, we were still full to order more than one plate of dessert so we opted to have a slice of Kuppa's Chocolate Souffle Cake (PHP105), Barista's Secret (PHP135), and Skinny Sugarless Sip-Mochachino (PHP100).

N's drink was like a shake and it was very sweet. It tasted very much like vanilla frappuccino. It was a bit thick and really creamy. I couldn't seem to discover the "secret" though. But I must say, Kuppa has friendly servers and very eager to help the customers decide which drink to order.

Love At First Bite: The Tuileries Confections

Macarons. This has been one of the biggest food craze last year and it seems like it's here to stay for a bit longer. I must say, I am one of the crazy foodies to shell out money for these small (but yummy) desserts. If you think about it, these are very expensive. But if you crave for something beyond your typical chocolate bar or ice cream, this is a good choice.

I have been a big fan of S's baking and when she flew to Paris to further enhance her skills, I just want her to finish her studies ASAP just so I could have more of her delectable brownies. But I guess I have to wait.
She didn't disappoint us though as a few weeks after she came back, she started her business The Tuileries Confections.

Image from The Tuileries Confection Facebook page

It was her post for Valentine's Day that convinced me to to order a box of macarons. 

Japanese 101: Oishii aisukurimu!

I just had the best chiffon bread (so far) this morning and I’d love to buy some more of it but the problem was… I bought it in JAPAN. Yes, I am still not over my very short stop at Narita Airport and I realized that I have not posted anything Japan-related yet and it made me remember the oh so good ice cream I had while waiting for my flight back to my one and only love… Manila. 

For some reason, it was EXTREMELY warm inside the Narita Airport. Perhaps my long-sleeved top meant for the fall season and the fact that I was speed walking while frantically looking for Uniqlo were partly at fault. Anyway, I was turning into a walking tomato and that made me decide to go back to Gate # I forgot and pout till my mouth hurts as I found out that the Uniqlo store was nowhere near where I was.