Dessert Parade

The day I cannot eat desserts anymore is the day I die.

While I know it may sound harsh, it is actually true.

I love desserts. No, let me correct that, I live for desserts.
Give me that anytime and you have made my day.

Interestingly, there are dessert places and there ARE dessert places.

What has caught my attention:



Polly's Peaches and Cream Chocolate Cake
As I am sure most of us have tried Polly's signature chocolate cake normally found at the Shell Magallanes station, this version was what I discovered at their Robinson's Galleria kiosk found at the theatre floor of the mall. What I love about this one is that it is not too sweet and the play of fruity flavors matched the slight bittersweetness of the chocolate cake.



Polly's Blueberry Ice Box Cake
Topped with a light buttercream frosting, their sponge cake perfectly balanced the sourness of the preserved blueberries it is served with.



Va Bene's Semifreddo with Chocolate Sauce
Va Bene Pasta Deli is a small Italian restaurant found at the Petron Dasmarinas shop cluster right across the Dusit Hotel in Makati. The place serves authentic Italian cuisine and as expected, serves this simply delicious frozen dessert that is flavored with orange and topped with rich dark chocolate sauce and chopped walnuts. After having your fill of fresh pasta, ending your meal with this is pure heaven!



Sweet Bella's Adrianna
Located at the Burgos Circle, Sweet Bella showcases beautifully crafted desserts which will make you want to order all. I had to restrain myself and settled for two on my first visit. If you like banana, chocolate mousse and coffee, this dessert's for you.



Sweet Bella's Strawberry Cheesecake
Generously topped with fresh strawberries, their version is a crumbly baked cheesecake garnished with pretty white chocolate.



Cake Planet's Turtle Pie
Found along Dona Soledad in Better Living Paranaque, this place boasts of a variety of 10 inch cakes in various formats and flavors. What caught my attention was their Turtle Pie version made with a rich chocolate mousse sitting on a bed of hazelnut butter and chocolate crust. It is lusciously decadent and I love it!

Now I'm happy. Coffee anyone?

Cafe Juanita - Charming and Delicious

We took a chance one Friday night and went to Cafe Juanita at the Burgos Circle, Fort Bonifacio early. After walking around, we decided to go with this restaurant since sister and I were both craving for something flavorful, preferable Asian, and given the choices Burgos Circle had to offer - (mind you, this place has a lot to choose from) we were happy with our decision.

When we got there, most of the tables were reserved. And because there was just the two of us, we miraculously got a table. Note to self: On a Friday night, always dine out either very early or very late - you've got better chances of getting a table in your restaurant of choice.

True to form, this branch had touches of the old world charm and cozy atmosphere typical of Cafe Juanita. The service is attentive without being too much and the food was served just right on time.

What we ordered:


Catfish Salad
On a sour side, their version features crisp tiny flakes of catfish topped on very thin julienned green mangoes.


Paad Thai
Garnished with a net of cooked eggs, this one's delicious as it is perfectly seasoned and generously topped with tofu, nuts and shrimps.


Bagnet
Seasoned with light bagoong sauce, it is served with chunks of fresh tomatoes topped with crisp, melt-in-your-mouth Bagnet squares that are to-die-for. This dish has compelled me to come back to this place.

Forget about your cholesterol and diet concerns when you are at Cafe Juanita - it is affordable indulgence and a flavorful culinary treat for diners to enjoy.

The Lugang Experience

While much has been said about Lugang Cafe along Connecticut road in Greenhills, it is never enough to just listen and learn from those who have experienced the food. Trying it yourself is a must.

It may take a little more effort getting a reservation, but the effort pays off.

I was fortunate enough to have gone twice, thanks to my friend Jeng, getting a table became more manageable. The couple of times I was there, the place was always packed. Diners come in groups - which I feel is apt, considering that dishes come in "sharing" portions, and ordering just a few items would be a crime - what with all the interesting items you will find in their menu.

The first time I was at Lugang Cafe, there were just three of us, but with an appetite equivalent to six people, we indulged. I myself prepared for the feast - light lunch, no merienda... dinner there was much anticipated.

We were seated at the second floor. The first floor was packed. The interiors are bright, modern and sport colors of purple and beige, black and silver, such unusual combinations which actually worked. I particularly loved the private areas which seat twelve people and separated by curtains of chains. Note to self - this would be a perfect venue for family gatherings and private business meetings.

Here are some interesting finds in their menu:


Siao Long Bao
Nothing beats steaming hot soupy pork dumplings which are freshly made and served with ginger, soy and vinegar dip.


Garlic Pork Rolls
Cigars of sliced cold pork served with a Char-siu style sauce.


Beef with Crullers
Thin slices of beef generously coated with a rich brown sauce. You would detect hints of garlic, ginger and oyster sauce in the sauce and was a perfect match with the crisp nuggets of fried savory bread which was used as its garnish.


Three Cup Chicken
Served in a hotpot, this one's fragrant and falling off the bones.


Salt and Pepper Shrimps
This one's my favorite, you literally eat everything - from the shrimp's head to its tail, really, it's worth your money.


Steamed Lapu Lapu
It comes to you deboned and really fresh, but may take some time so order this as soon as you get there.



Braised Pork Belly with Mantou bread
Melts in your mouth and if you are a fan of Kua Pao, this one's for you.


Stir fried Beans with Pork
Neither stringy nor oily, this one is another of my favorites with its flavorful take on eating vegetables.


Black Pepper Rice
Don't be fooled by its name - it is spicy but not hot. I like the fragrance and even without any viand, this would perfectly stand on its own.


Bellagio Tower
This tall tower of crushed ice covered with sweetened red mung beans and served with pineapple chunks, ube mochi, taro and condensed milk proved to be a refreshing way to end our hearty meal.

Expect to be served when you order this. Warning, this one must be served right away or the tower will collapse at any given time.

How about you? Have you had the Lugang experience?

Idol ko si Tatay!

It's Father's Day! To me, it's really all marketing hype having such a particular day to honor them, but hey, am not complaining. What I mean is that, with dads like mine, everyday should be Father's Day.

True, "Idol Ko Si Tatay", and I feel that the Guy up there is just so good to me that he gave me such supportive and loving parents. Because today is all about Dads, here's sharing with you why he is, and will forever be my "Idol".

Five Resons why My Dad is My Idol

1. He is our family's McGyver
He may not look like Richard Dean Anderson but he may as well be Dad's apprentice - Dad can work the electric items, fix the car, repair the plumbing - he is our all around Handy Manny. I've always thought all men were like this, but no, that's just my Dad.

2. He is our musician
I remember that when we were kids, my sister and I danced while he tirelessly played the piano. I loved our bonding moments in our living room while the rest of the family listened to Dad's music. This would normally happen at the end of a busy week and hearing his music would be a soothing reward to all of us. Today, his music is being enjoyed by the community, as he regularly plays church music in our chapel.

3. He is our pillar of strength
His presence of mind in times of adversity has allowed me to manage my fears and control my actions. During medical emergencies, he would always appear to be the calmest among the group. He is ready to hold your hand and his soothing voice is just enough to make you relax even while in pain.

4. He is our number one fan
He never tires of talking about our accomplishments, achievements and would always boast of it to his peers and relatives. Dialogues with him are always full of wisdom. Because of this, his children are forever inspired.

5. He loves our mom
How a father treats his spouse is the best way to teach his children about love, respect and fear of God. While theirs is a relationship just like any other, their faith in God and patience with each other have become the foundation of their years together.




I love you Dad! Happy Father's Day!

Not for the Faint Hearted

I know, I know, I have not been diligently posting in this space of mine. I have no excuse... I can't say I've been busy (actually, I have been, and still is), but really now, who cares?

One thing I have not stopped doing though, is to be forever in search of the new, the innovative and the daring (okay, am still referring to food here). And in the course of doing this, I sometimes chance upon some hits and a few misses, but mind you, it just makes food more interesting! Here are some that are definitely worth trying. They're not really fancy - they're just nice.

Durian Chocolates



From a recent visit and rather painfully delayed flight from Davao, while deliberately trying to entertain myself through window shopping at the airport shops and kiosks, I chanced upon this rather unassuming box of Durian chocolates. Looking at it reminded me of the glorious days of "Flat Tops" chocolates but this version comes filled with sweetened Durian. Admittedly, I am not much of a fan of this King of all fruits but mind you, it was pretty decent.

Baked Polvoron

This one I found at the Salcedo Market, with the lady manning the counter with such pretty good selling skills that I just had to get one and try. What really caught my attention was the beautiful packaging it had, coupled with its innovative take on the humble Polvoron. Flavors which I loved were kiwi and cranberry.



Flavored, crisp and fragrant, it's one product you'd have to try on your next visit to the famous weekend market.

Sweet Mushroom in Syrup

A Tagaytay trip is just not complete without our family dropping by the original outlet of Mushroomburger.


Beyond the comfort that their burgers give me though is a newfound discovery - having their mushrooms served in syrup complete with banana essence and vanilla, it resembles the popular Sago't Gulaman with crushed ice. Nice!

Tom Yum Coated Peanuts

I guess you would find this all over Thailand but after trying this one, am now a fan. Sour & spicy, these are just your regular roasted peanuts coated with a rich reddish-brown breading that will just stimulate your entire being with lemongrass, kaffir and chillis doing their pungent best. The best match? A bottle of ice cold San Mig Premium beer.

Pho & Banh Mi Heaven

I never thought I could thrive without eating rice for 3 days. Surprisingly, I didn't miss it at all with all the many other delectable offerings Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, had to offer. And to this day, am still dreaming about it.

Pho and Banh Mi pretty much took over the spot which, for the longest time was dominated by the staple steamed rice I normally consume, of course with my favorite dishes. Yes, I cannot live on a Southbeach diet... can you imagine Kare-Kare without rice?!!! But seriously, I myself was surprised to find all other options while in HCMC - their noodles & sandwiches really made a mark.

In between shopping, our party consumed a variety of Pho - from the street food options to the hotel kind. Per my friend's advice, I should leave and forget about all my learnings on food safety and just take advantage of what HCMC had to offer. Interestingly, the supposed level of microorganisms in my bowl of Pho is inversely proportional to its flavor. In simpler terms, just enjoy and worry later.

At NHAT HA hotel

And enjoy I did. It was a remarkable experience, considering that I am not much of a noodle soup fan. What I liked about it is its delicate broth made with clear beef or chicken stock infused with cinnamon and anise - not too overpowering, just perfect with each and every bowl.

At Pho2000


Oh, and the drama - the ceremony of adding your own fresh herbs and veggies and seasoning it with lemon juice coming from a wedge... that also makes it different and very personal. It's as if you made it yourself.

At Pho24

Fragrant and filling, Pho delivered.

Found practically in every street corner is a stall selling Banh Mi - those crusty mini-baguette rolls served with a variety of fillings. From liver pate's to sliced roast pork, it is almost always served with fresh lettuce, pickled vegetables and nuoc mam (sweet-chili sauce).


This one is assembled only upon ordering, so expect to wait for a couple of minutes. Very interactive & enough to make you salivate.



Banh Mi is also offered for breakfast. Where we stayed, this was served in combination with eggs and other meat items as an alternative to the usual sliced bread.

More food finds later.