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Author: Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco

  • Review of Indulgence by Irene Cheesecakes (Matcha and Tablea S’Mores)

    Review of Indulgence by Irene Cheesecakes (Matcha and Tablea S’Mores)

    There are destination cafés and restaurants that dish up incredibly breathtaking cakes that are worth the trip. There are also those home-based pastry shops that present and produce high-quality, artful and rich cakes. Indulgence by Irene, whose operations started in 2012, is one of the perfect examples. Irene’s cheesecakes have been featured multiple times in food magazines, food blogs, newspapers, and other honorable sites consistently through the years. As a treat for my teammates last month, I ordered the Matcha and the Tablea S’Mores and had them delivered to our unit in Astoria Plaza during our staycation. What do we say? Irene’s cheesecakes are the ultimate indulgence, indeed! 🙂

    Review of Indulgence by Irene Cheesecakes (Matcha and Tablea S’Mores)

    If you love matcha, Irene’s Matcha Cheesecake is a must-try. Formed with the creamy goodness of cream cheese that melts in your mouth, though not the most eye-catching, it was irresistibly tasty. For me, the more predominant the green tea flavor, the better, as matcha can be one of those ingredients that can “perfume” a recipe. In this cheesecake, matcha came out slightly bitter and sweet at the same time. Texture was also spot on. This will impress your most discriminating guests.

    The Tablea S’Mores Cheesecake, on the other hand, was sweeter and much more scrumptious and decadent. With creamy chocolate filling, graham cracker crust and toasted marshmallows on top, this cheesecake is easy to love. Beyond aesthetics, this one delivered flavor. If you’re thinking of giving it as a gift to a friend or special someone, you can’t go wrong. Make sure to eat it with an extra long spoon to get each component in every bite. 😉

    Regular Flavors – Quezo de Bola, Tablea, Choc Nut, Calamansi, and Corn
    9 inch – P1000
    6 inch – P 550
    4 inch – P 220

    Premium Flavors – Ube, London Fog, Matcha, QDB-Ube Duo
    9 inch – P1200
    6 inch – P 650
    4 inch – P 250

    Super Premium Flavors – Coffee With Bailey’s, Halo-Halo, Tablea S’Mores
    9 inch – P1400
    6 inch – P 750
    4 inch – P 300

    Pick-up locations:
    1. Astoria Plaza – Ortigas
    2. Aseana – schooldays early morning and afternoon of Tuesday and Thursday
    3. Shell Buendia cor. EDSA – Tuesdays 3pm, Thursdays 2pm
    4. Serendra – Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/IndulgencebyIrene/” name=”Indulgence by Irene” description=”For inquiries, call 0917-6225800 (at least 2 days advance order)” author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-07-16″ ]

  • Review of D’ Xpert Salon and Spa (Dr Jose P. Rizal Avenue, Makati City)

    Review of D’ Xpert Salon and Spa (Dr Jose P. Rizal Avenue, Makati City)

    Frizzy hair, split ends, clearly visible roots, or troublesome fringes? D’ Xpert Salon and Spa in Makati comes to solve hair and beauty problems so you can save yourself from future bad hair days. As the brand implies, D’ Xpert strives to be an expert in delivering quality treatments at their Hello Kitty-themed unit.

    I was invited to try and experience their services for myself and I chose to avail of their ongoing promotion: Rebonding / Brazilian Blowout / Ombré (Hair Color Trend) + 6 other services for only PhP 2000. Very timely, since taming my hair has become one of the most frustrating parts of my morning routine, I had my hair rebonded and also got to experience foot spa, foot reflexology, manicure, pedicure, and hair cellophane. The last one in my list was supposedly “back massage,” but because I was rushing for dinner, I just skipped it and went out of the salon feeling satisfied anyway.

    with the owner

    Review of D’ Xpert Salon and Spa (Dr Jose P. Rizal Avenue, Makati City)

    Ambiance:

    The owner’s favorite color is pink, and it shows. D’ Xpert Salon and Spa is fitted with pink walls and Hello Kitty decorations. You can say this place’s interior design leans towards totally girly, but that doesn’t stop men from also visiting the salon and availing a number of their services.

    Geared to its local clientele, D’ Xpert Salon and Spa is nestled on the quiet street of Dr Jose P. Rizal. It’s nicely spaced, with areas catering to the salon (front) and the spa (back) separately. Clean, colorful and contemporary, D’ Xpert is a beautiful place to conveniently and comfortably wile away the hours, so customers can book a whole host of treatments for a relaxing afternoon.

    Service:

    The staff were personable and professional. They offer drinks: coffee, tea, and water to guests waiting to be served. Hair stylists sounded knowledgeable about the products they use and procedures they do. They also recommend treatments, styles and cuts according to the customer’s facial shape, hair texture, hair condition, and personal preferences.

    After getting a Brazilian Blowout at Petra & Pepita Encarnacion Group of Salon in October 2015 (nine months ago), I thought my hair was once again in dire need of a little pick-me-up. It’s a bit wavy with frizz all over. Hair rebonding with Cellowax cellophane treatment at D’ Xpert Salon and Spa gave me straight locks like the ones you see on the labels of hair products and shampoo ads. 🙂 Since there were too many customers in the salon being served simultaneously on a Sunday, the transformation was done in six hours. Sigh, I know. The wait was long but well worth it.

    The procedure began with the hair stylist sectioning my hair and spraying the strands with water. Then, he applied the organic hair rebonding treatment and left it on for about an hour.

    A vast of products used for hair rebonding are effective for hair straightening, but there’s only a few that are safe to use. Those containing strong chemicals can irritate the scalp, loosen the hair vitality, and may cause hair fall or more serious damages. D’ Xpert Salon and Spa’s Organic Hair Rebonding treatment manages to ease two head scratching worries. What’s good was that I did not feel my scalp sting or itch throughout the duration of the service.

    After rinsing, the stylist went on towel-drying and blow-drying my hair before he ironed it straight. We waited for a while before he applied the neutralizer cream, rinsed my hair again, and then put on clear cellophane. The Cellowax cellophane treatment made my scalp feel icy cool and refreshed. Result is healthier and shinier hair that looks silkier than before. It also makes the natural color more vibrant and lush by increasing the light refraction due to the shine.

    Before and After Photos

    Foot spa, foot reflexology, manicure, and pedicure were neatly done as well. I liked that the manicurist/ pedicurist was gentle and thorough in her approach as I’m sensitive to pain. She did a wonderful job at both my hands and feet.

    Booking (through the Booksy App–download and install here for Android and here for iOS users) is recommended, but no appointment is required: you can just turn up, which is always handy.

    Price for Value:

    Last Sunday was my first visit and I’m sure it won’t be my last. With PhP 2000, there’s so much pampering you can do to enhance your look. At D’ Xpert Salon and Spa, you can leave feeling a million dollars without having to spend that much of money. In hair coloring, D’Xpert Salon and Spa uses Cynos ColorPlex, a high-end brand with high-quality products. It also sells a whole line of hair care products that can’t be bought in malls or beauty section of the department store.

    D’ Xpert will be celebrating their second anniversary on August 7, 2016. Doors will be open to guests and customers from 7:00AM to 10:00PM. On this special event, 50% discount will be in effect to major services: Rebonding / Brazilian Blowout / Ombré (Hair Color Trend). To heighten your interest further, a lunch buffet with wine will be served!

    There are more exciting and bang-for-your-buck promotions to come soon, so watch this space. 🙂 Click here to view their rates and price list.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/dxpertsalonspa/” name=”D’ Xpert Salon and Spa” description=”243 Dr Jose P. Rizal Ave, Makati, 1204 Metro Manila ” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 752-2339 or ‎0927-6831317″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-07-13″ ]

  • Review of Annam Noodle Bar (Eastwood, Libis, Quezon City)

    Review of Annam Noodle Bar (Eastwood, Libis, Quezon City)

    Looking for a Vietnamese restaurant in the Philippines where you can have real tasty pho? Annam Noodle Bar in Eastwood is the move. Inspired by old-world recipes and cooking methods from Northern, Central, and Southern Vietnam, Annam Noodle Bar’s menu boasts iconic and authentic Vietnamese street food favorites that can be relished at any time of the day. The refreshing flavors, varied textures, and vibrant colors add a touch of the west to these Vietnamese dishes.

    Known as “NamNam Noodle Bar” in Singapore, Annam Noodle Bar now has been repackaged with a modern twist. This restaurant located at the ground floor of 1880 Building in Eastwood opened last July 6, 2016 and I was one of the first who was invited to try out their dishes. 🙂 Whether you’re team pho, team banh mi, or both, it’s hands down a delicious meal you can get for PhP 500/head or less. Plus, it’s time to get healthier. Annam Noodle Bar takes pride in the fact that 95% of their menu does not contain Monosodium Glutamate (MSG).

    Review of Annam Noodle Bar (Eastwood, Libis, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    Bright lights, nicely spaced out table settings, and wooden accents set the cozy mood. Every element from the chic industrial interior, tightly arranged communal seating to the menu is carefully curated to evoke the nostalgic street setting in Vietnam. Overall ambiance provides a sense of retreat from the hustle and bustle of Eastwood’s vibrant streets, so guests can come and enjoy a lunch break from the office or a premium dinner with friends.

    Service:

    Annam Noodle Bar applies a quick-service concept and the way things work here are pretty simple: take a seat at either one of the long communal tables, by the counter, or the regular tables at the back. The staff hands you the menu and the order list where you will check the items you’re getting, much like in a shabu-shabu restaurant where you tick all the ingredients you want for your food. Wait for the food shortly and enjoy. Service was welcoming, helpful, and neat.

    Food:

    The Crispy Imperial Rolls (PhP 200) got the ideal crumb, chew and crunch. The rolls were not too greasy but juicy and hearty enough to be qualified as a solid appetizer at Annam. Covered with crispy exterior, the meaty fillings tasted great, especially with the sweet and sour dipping sauce.

    Vietnamese sandwiches are a foodstuff you can eat even on the go. A product of French colonial Vietnam, the sandwich combines the basic French baguette with Vietnamese take on common French cold cuts or roasted meats. Annam Noodle Bar’s banh mi varieties look interesting.

    For fans of heat, banh mi made of chili-lemongrass chicken, egg omelette, chicken floss (PhP 230) and the one filled with fried catfish with spices (PhP 230) are recommended. Both had a smear of a sweet, buttery, mayonnaise-like spread, and plenty of crisp vegetables. These are insanely tasty combinations of contrasting textures and flavors, but the overall impression, as with much Vietnamese food, is of lightness and freshness.

    Served with powerful, pungent condiments to accompany the aromatic broth, the star of the night must be the Pho Australian Wagyu Beef Sliced (PhP 550). The rich, crystal clear, intensely aromatic soup was almost tantalizing. Tastes include both sweet and salty; and the feel, cooling and warming. As with other Asian cuisines, it’s all about balance—yin and yang, if you may. There’s also a handful of fresh herbs and spring onions added to the bowl. Chewy and oozy, moist and tender, the wagyu beef was excellent. Chili sauce and fish sauce are made available on the table for those who like a jolt of extra flavor to their pho.

    Out of all the drinks on the menu, the Lemongrass-Ginger Iced Tea (PhP 150) is the particular standout. It was love at first sip! The earthy aroma of the lemongrass and the heat from the ginger made up an exotic taste that is pleasing and delightful.

    Plenty of dessert choices looked tempting but I my eyes were all for the Chilled Dried Longan, Lotus Seeds, Water Chestnut, Seaweed Dessert (PhP 180) because I thought it’s Vietnam’s version of the Filipino halo-halo. 🙂 Food for the Viet is medicine, and most of their dishes include desserts that draw natural ingredients such as herbs, fruits, vegetables, beans and seaweed together with nutrition in mind. Lotus seeds brought a nutty texture; and the finely sliced seaweed, an interesting and refreshing touch of soft gelatin. Longans are like lychees but more succulent in taste.

    Annam Noodles also serves the famous Viet coffee and sells it per box with 22 sachets. Diners who are curious about the taste of Viet coffee should try it. Brewed using top-grade robusta coffee beans that are selected to ensure quality and flavor, you can make your own full-bodied cup of aromatic coffee at home any time, any day. Adding sweetened condensed milk may enhance the taste as it’s the perfect counterbalance for the incredibly strong dark-roasted coffee.

    Price for Value:

    Prices are distinctively more expensive than your regular hole-in-the-wall Vietnamese food joint. I’d say it’s a little more top end of the “cheap-eat” market, but you can be rest assured that food and service are great in this nice space. As the adage goes, you get what you pay for, and you are certainly paying for darn good pho. If you haven’t tried Vietnamese cuisine before, this is the perfect chance to start with the appreciation. Try banh mi and pho. They’re pretty good stuff! 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/annamnoodlebar/” name=”Annam Noodle Bar” description=”Unit 1880-4 Ground Floor 1880 Building, Eastwood Avenue, Libis, Quezon City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call 0918 3441234″ rev_body=”Operating hours: 10am to 11pm” author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-07-11″ ]

  • Healthy Options Shopping Haul (June 2016)

    Healthy Options Shopping Haul (June 2016)

    For the month of June, I shifted my interested more onto natural personal care products and for sure, Healthy Options is the best one-stop store in the Philippines for all these wonderful finds. Market research studies say that the global demand for organic personal care products is growing every year. And while clearly a portion of those sales occur online (hello, Internet generation), there’s still something to be said about the process of discovery—perusing the shelves, feeling the heft of the bottles, admiring the packaging design and also carefully reading the labels. With knowledgeable staff members to help customers, shopping at Healthy Options is always enjoyable. This time, I got these goodies from the Eastwood branch.

    Healthy Options Shopping Haul (June 2016)

    Personal Care

    I was very excited to get my hands on these products after reading positive reviews and recommendations on them over the web. These are free from harsh chemicals, cruelty-free and eco-friendly! 🙂

    Avalon Organics, Intense Defense with Vitamin C, Cleansing Milk, 8.5 fl has a refreshing milky texture and it leaves my skin hydrated. This facial wash does not contain GMOs, parabens, harsh sulfates or preservatives, synthetic colors or fragrances, phthalates or animal testing. It’s also vegan and biodegradable. I’ve been using it both morning and night for a week now. It cleans very well and goes on smooth. I love the soft citrus smell of this gentle cleanser. It removes makeup and oil buildup during the day but it does not get my waterproof mascara off. It does not claim to do so anyway.

    Made with olive oil and argan oil, A La Maison de Provence Liquid Soap, Lavender Aloe is great for hand and body. The scent of lavender is divine; it’s soothing and comforting. Without synthetic ingredients, A La Maison de Provence Liquid Soap rinses quickly, leaving my hands clean, fresh, and soft. This is what I use to wash my hands (when putting on and taking off my contact lenses, most especially).

    After reading the Healthy Options News Digest article about treating body odor, we have learned that “natural deodorants are a much better and safer option.” Many antiperspirants are made with aluminum in order to halt the perspiration of sweat glands, and this aluminum is suspected of accumulating in the nervous system and ultimately contributing to nervous system disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.

    I had my eyes on Lafe’s Roll-On Deodorant at first but got the Crystal Body Deodorant Crystal Essence Chamomile & Green Tea Body Spray (4 oz) instead because I love chamomile tea and green tea. 😛 The scent is light and feminine, without being all up in your face. I am very satisfied with how well this product works! I’m proud to report that I have stopped wearing traditional antiperspirants which may cause cancer.

    Other reasons why you should switch to natural deodorants, too: It does not have aluminum chlorohydrate, it is paraben-free, it’s safe for the environment. 🙂 Crystal Body Deodorant Crystal Essence Chamomile & Green Tea Body Spray combines the stress reduction of chamomile with the powerful anti-oxidants of green tea in a versatile spray which may be used anywhere on the body to control odor including feet chest and inner thighs.

    Nature’s Gate Body Wash Velvet Moisture (Papaya) is said to brighten dull skin. As mentioned in my previous hauls, I’m a fan of the Nature’s Gate brand. Papaya and pineapple extracts in this body wash are rich in enzymes and they help exfoliate to reveal soft, radiant skin. A little amount pumped on my sponge goes a long way. It foams well and has a creamy texture. Smell of papaya though isn’t too evident and doesn’t last long.

    In the past six months, I had mouth sores three times. It was like getting a new one every after two weeks when the other one has just been healed. Upon research, I found out that many toothpastes contain an ingredient called Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), a strong detergent that has demonstrated in several studies to increase canker sore outbreaks and pain. SLS is what gives you that bubbly, foamy feeling when you’re brushing to make you feel like your mouth is cleaner. I bet we’re all familiar with it.

    Another possible cause of mouth sore is fluoride in toothpaste. Per the September 2003 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association, Karen McCaffery, a US dentist, recommend patients to “discontinue use of toothpastes with pyrophosphates and/or fluorides, citing that these are the most frequent causes.” I knew I had to start switching to a natural toothpaste to prevent canker sores attacks.

    Nature’s Gate Crème de Peppermint is fluoride-free, soy-free, vegan, carrageenan-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free and it’s a responsible choice for oral health. Flavored with exhilarating peppermint oil, this toothpaste leaves my mouth feeling fresh and minty without the burning sensation. It’s a good staple to keep in the washroom.

    Supplements

    Aside from the causes of mouth sores cited above, other compelling reasons why people have mouth sores are stress and the lack of vitamin B-12. Taking vitamin capsules or applying the contents of vitamin B-12 capsules directly to areas where sores have developed can offer quick and painless results. I got Healthy Options B-12 500mg for myself, Melatonin 3mg for Louie, Nature’s Plus AgeLoss® Kidney Support for my grandfather, and Nature’s Way Activated Charcoal for my mom.

    My mom suffers from IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and is sensitive to food. Her doctor/herbalist recommended taking activated charcoal to ease stomachache and bloating after every meal. This can be enhanced with improving diet and changing lifestyle as well. The charcoal pills keep gas and discomfort issues at bay.

    Grocery

    Glutino Chocolate Coated Wafers taste like ordinary chocolate coated wafers. Only big difference is that it’s wheat-free and gluten-free. It’s a good way to get a chocolate fix without too many calories. Be warned however that if put in high temperature, you’re likely to be disappointed when you open the box because the chocolate melts. Also, if the opening is not secured tightly with a rubber band, staple wire, adhesive tape, or the like, the texture of the wafers will be unpleasantly chewy, tough, and leathery. People who like chocolate wafers so much would end up finishing the pack in one go. 😛

  • My Birthday Celebration at Tim Ho Wan (SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City)

    My Birthday Celebration at Tim Ho Wan (SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City)

    It has been over a year now since my sister and I have last dined in at Tim Ho Wan in SM Megamall. This time ’round, we came in with our parents and grandfather, to celebrate my birthday. 🙂 Yay! Tim Ho Wan is one of my favorite restaurants when it comes to Chinese food. Its dimsum entrees definitely leave everyone wanting for more. When in Tim Ho Wan, especially when with a large bunch of friends or family, expect your table to look a bit…messy but magnificent. 😛 Just look at all these food!

    Birthday Celebration at Tim Ho Wan (SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City)

    Arriving flavorful and deliciously presented, the Wasabi Salad Prawn Dumpling (PhP 140) was like a taste of garden by the sea. Stuffed with prawn and some greens, these fried dumplings are worth an order. The wrap was crisp and light. Not the “singe-your-nose-hairs” kind, the wasabi dressing on top wasn’t too spicy and just gave a “horseradish” kick, so don’t worry about it.

    Conveying a combination of sweet and savory, the Beancurd Skin Roll with Shrimp (PhP 150) was also well-fried. It left a small trail of oil on my lips but that’s okay. These rolls presented a flavor profile reminiscent of a more robust version of the Vietnamese pancake we have tried in Saigon Steak in Vietnam. I liked that the bean curd wrapper was not too thick. I thought dipping these rolls in black vinegar will bring a smoky punch with a light, pleasant bitterness.

    Next up, the Vermicelli Roll with Sweet and Sesame Sauce (PhP 140) was soft and satisfying. It’s a great choice also for my grandfather who did not want to chew hard. The sesame sauce was excellent as it’s aromatic.

    Beef Ball with Beancurd Skin (PhP 120) tasted nothing fancy, but its heartiness and juiciness are winning factors. Thumbs up for that. 🙂

    Dinner would not be complete without a rice entree. Louie and I shared the Spare Ribs Rice (PhP 170). Coated with tasty sauce that enveloped all throughout the rice underneath, the spare ribs had a silky smooth and supple texture. Meat was tender and juicy, not so fatty. Love it.

    So far, we enjoy eating anything with pork floss. When my sister told me Tim Ho Wan features a new dish such as the Tofu with Pork Floss (PhP 130), we knew we had to try it. It was really good. The silken tofu was very soft inside yet the exterior managed to stay firm. Flavor bomb exploded with every bite. Almost like cotton candy, the fluffy pork floss was as expected. It’s the real deal.

    Finally, we also shared a bowl of Braised Soup in HK Style with Shredded Chicken and Mushroom (PhP 160) (good for two). Comforting, warm, and tasty, it’s an awesome treat for those dreaming of the ultimate Chinese food.

    Tim Ho Wan has a special place in my heart. I highly recommend it! ♥

    Tim Ho Wan is a Michelin Star hole-in-the-wall eatery in Hongkong, famous for Baked Pork Buns.

    Branches:

    G/F SM Mega Fashion Hall
    470-8836
    10:00AM – 10:00PM

    G/F Glorietta 3
    729-9367
    10:00AM – 10:00PM

    SM North EDSA
    374-2966
    10:00AM – 10:00PM

    1F Midtown Wing
    Robinsons Place Manila
    354-3562
    10:00AM – 9:00PM

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/TimHoWanPH/” name=”Tim Ho Wan” description=”G/F SM Mega Fashion Hall ” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 470-8836″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-07-06″ ]

  • Review of Le Petit Soufflé (Century City Mall, Poblacion, Makati City)

    Review of Le Petit Soufflé (Century City Mall, Poblacion, Makati City)

    In celebration of Father’s Day this year, we had lunch at one of the most talked-about restaurants in Century City Mall when it comes to interior design and creative food. Eating at Le Petit Soufflé is a high-drama opportunity since there’s always a long queue and we don’t get to always see an indoor garden-themed restaurant featuring cozy seats, greenery, and bright lights that are a treat for the eyes. Dining here is worth it for the right occasion and with the right people interested in soufflé and a French-Japanese menu that’s a little different…different good. 😛

    Review of Le Petit Soufflé (Century City Mall, Poblacion, Makati City)

    Ambiance:

    The trendy Le Petit Soufflé has an awesome ambiance complete with beautiful light bulbs, faux trees with rolling pins hanging as decorations, attractive walls, interesting panels, and yellow chairs—all the makings of a superb restaurant interior. It’s definitely a vivid space where every corner is Instagram-worthy. The greens bring a sense of nature inside the restaurant, making customers feel almost a world away from the bustle of the city. Pretty charming! 🙂

    Le Petit Soufflé has a good mix of spacious and intimate with a real casual feel. Instead of dividing the room with walls, it signifies zones through transitions in the table-and-chair setup so it looks organized and warm without being too packed or crowded.

    Service:

    The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the menu, so take their advice if you’re unsure of what to order. Despite the busyness of the restaurant at lunch hour, service remained efficient and attentive. I thought this is one of the factors that contribute to the success of the restaurant and make every experience positive for diners.

    Food:

    The waitress suggested getting the Japanese Beef Curry Soufflé (PhP 525), and we’re happy she did. It took 15-20 minutes for it to be served but we we’re willing to wait.  The dish consisted of savory cheese soufflé filled with fine strips of US beef short plate and Japanese short grain rice with Japanese curry sauce. It’s nothing like the Japanese curry rice of other more straightforward curry restaurants such as Coco Ichibanya, Curry Bee, or Eri Curry. The taste of curry was subtle and so pleasingly fragrant. Cheese gave it a boost in flavor.

    Another main entree we tried was the Squid Ink Rice (PhP 395) which was made with a combination of fresh seafood, shimeji, mushroom, and scrambled egg on delicious squid ink rice. The soft scrambled egg was so fluffy but firm enough. What I love most about this black rice is its refined iodized flavor. What I hate most, on the flip side, is that there’s no way to enjoy it without black-stained lips. Don’t forget to wipe your mouth with tissue. 😉

    For my dad, the shoyu-based Vegetarian Soba Pasta (PhP 325) had an earthy taste that’s unique, one you won’t get tired of eating. Cooked with shimeji, zucchini, eggplant, and bell pepper, it’s like the Japanese version of spaghetti.

    Chef Miko Aspiras’ signature dessert, the Valrhona Grand Crus (PhP 375), was nothing short of spectacular. Formed with layers of decadent Valrhona chocolate (Araguani 72% flourless cake, Caramelia 36% flourless cake, Dulcey 32% ganache, and Equatoriale 55% ganache), the heavenly blocks of chocolate were served with a vanille creme anglaise sauce.

    Honestly, I didn’t have a slightest clue on what Valrhona chocolates are. I just learned now that Valrhona produces the world’s finest gourmet chocolates. OMG. No wonder why it tasted so good! The chocolate has a bitter base with strong liquorice, raisin and chestnut notes and the use of brown sugar. The texture is like silk for your tongue, as different in texture compared to Hershey’s as fine silk is to a burlap bag for your fingers. Please, try it! 🙂

    Quite a show-stealer as well, the Strawberry Lychee Parfait (PhP 195) had a nice presentation with colorful display of ingredients composed of the highlights: strawberry, lychee, and matcha. This treat is so refreshing and addicting. 🙂 The parfait was made with vanilla and matcha custard base, softee swirl with almond dacquiose, fresh strawberries, strawberry sauce, lychee and matcha jelly, matcha mochi and matcha powder. There’s a lot going on; the key is to get a little bit of everything involved in each bite.

    Price for Value:

    There are days when you just want to have a peaceful time and enjoy unusual and interesting choices of food. Let Le Petit Soufflé be your antidote. Prices may cause pain to the wallet but they offer high value. The menu is simple with a few pages, but the execution of the food is so good that seemingly simple ingredients will wow you in ways you didn’t think they could. We had a great time!

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/Lepetitsouffle/?fref=ts” name=”Le Petit Soufflé” description=”3F Century City Mall, Kalayaan Ave., Poblacion, Makati City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 8863056, (02) 7185681″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-06-28″ ]

  • Review of Cebu Parklane International Hotel (N Escario Street, Cebu City)

    Review of Cebu Parklane International Hotel (N Escario Street, Cebu City)

    With a handily location in Cebu City, Cebu Parklane International Hotel sits as a polished contemporary building that’s only about two minutes of walk away from the Ayala Center Mall and a 30-minute drive from Mactan-Cebu International Airport. We stayed here for a night and had a comfortable, quiet, and restful sleep. This hotel features conservative rooms and suites that have free Wi-Fi connection, flat-screen TV and coffee-making facilities. Upgraded quarters offer access to a lounge with free cocktails. Cebu Parklane International Hotel is highly recommended for vacations that combine leisure, business, and pleasure altogether.

    Review of Cebu Parklane International Hotel (N Escario Street, Cebu City)

    Ambiance:

    Cebu Parklane International Hotel opened in 2006, yet this 10-year-old establishment still looks fresh and modern today. With an atmospheric and inviting air, the ground floor houses the concierge, reception area, lobby, and a slick yet cozy restaurant.

    The interior design offers a touch of luxury without commanding the sort of sky-high prices you’ll find at the city’s five-star hotels. To enhance guests’ stay, Cebu Parklane International Hotel also has recreational facilities such as garden, gym, outdoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, and pool for kids. Other recreational amenities include a fitness center, bicycle rentals nearby, playground on site, mountain biking nearby, laundry, and spa services.

    Every floor and room gets guests a glimpse of the rich Cebuano culture as there are murals and photos depicting the history, various activities and festivities in Cebu. Smart, well-furnished upholstered rooms are tastefully decked out in a muted color palette. They’re quite spacious and stylish, just enough to calm the eyes after a busy day. Hot/cold shower, tub, complete bathroom toiletries, and clean towels are available. Beds have high-quality mattress that give premium support. What’s most amazing is that the 241 hotel rooms are soundproofed!

    Service:

    Parklane Hotel is proud to claim that it is the first and the only hotel owned and managed by an all Filipino staff, comprised primarily of Cebuanos. Thus, Parklane stands firm to its tagline being “A Hotel in Cebu that Stands for Cebu.” The staff were all nice and accommodating. Checking in and out was easy and hassle-free. The guards/concierge helped us book and arrange taxicabs to drive us to our destinations.

    Food:

    The breakfast buffet (complimentary for hotel guests) at Manuel’s Restaurant inside the hotel was excellent. With a good variety of delicious food, portions were ample and tasty. You won’t need to search for any other restaurants early in the morning to solve and satisfy your hunger. From appetizers, mains, drinks and desserts, the hearty meal will make your taste buds jump for joy. 🙂

    Price for Value:

    Cebu Parklane International Hotel deserves credit for many other things. First, its hip location gives guests the access to easy travel within Cebu City. Second, rooms are well thought out with lots of nice touches. And third, service and food also did not disappoint. Overall, this hotel is a classy place to stay without breaking the bank. Room types range from Superior, Boutique, to Executive. Find availability and hotel room rates at Agoda.com.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/Cebu-Parklane-International-Hotel-179422118788773/” name=”Cebu Parklane International Hotel” description=”N Escario St, Cebu City, 6000″ rev_name=”For inquiries or booking, please call (032) 411 7000″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-06-26″ ]

  • Barista Competition 2016 at Espressamente Illy (Rockwell, Powerplant Mall, Makati City)

    Barista Competition 2016 at Espressamente Illy (Rockwell, Powerplant Mall, Makati City)

    Usually served in a tiny cup, espresso tastes strong and powerful. The way to prepare this type of coffee is one of the finickiest. Last June 11, 2016, we were invited to the Barista Competition 2016 hosted by Espressamente Illy at Rockwell, Powerplant Mall in Makati City to see how five well-trained coffee baristas from the five branches of Illy in the Philippines make coffee. There’s so many intricate steps to getting it perfectly from preparation to serving. Each one could make or break the shot.

    The parameters a barista might mess with while trying to perfect a cup include coffee-to-water ratio, grind size, brew time, and water temperature, among other things. Adding to the challenge was, of course, the time limit. Every one of the contending baristas had to complete three coffee drinks while telling about the execution in 13 minutes. In this case, “pressure’ is what makes an espresso an espresso, literally and figuratively. No matter what, they have to be consistent; consistency in brewing coffee is the silver bullet in the arsenal of tools needed to improve quality.

    Judges gave scores objectively according to the coffee’s sensory feature and the “science” of making it, while we all stood behind as witnesses as to how precision, hands-on care, and love would sum up in drinks that could be savored like never before.

    After over an hour of action, the judges decided and proclaimed the winner. Ronel America (from the NAIA T1 cafe) received the Illy trophy as reward and also some bragging rights. Congratulations! 🙂

    Barista Competition 2016 at Espressamente Illy (Rockwell, Powerplant Mall, Makati City)

    Illy Coffee

    Well-balanced in its constant combination of sour and bitter, the illy taste has an immediately perceived sweet shade. Illy is well known all over the world  for its unique blend, made of nine precious varieties of Arabica coffee, always the same, cup after cup. Its rich and fascinating body is felt by the palate with a tactile feeling of pure pleasure. As in a symphony, the announced theme is declined and enriched by the soloists with tones of flowers, fruits, caramel, toasted bread, chocolate, almonds, and honey. All these tones get together smoothly in a sweet final feeling.

    The illy blend is available in three different roasting levels. The medium roasting level has a peculiar soft taste, and is sold  in a package marked in red. For coffee consumers who like a deeper and stronger taste, the same blend of Arabica is available in a stronger roasting level, in a package marked in black.

    The illy blend is available in a decaffeinated version as well, in a package recognizable by its green color.  In order to enhance each profile of its blend, and to let everyone appreciate the shades of its taste, in 2010 illy  has created  the Monoarabica  line,  that  includes  the  varieties  of  Arabica  coffee  that    make  the traditional illy blend.

    At present, Monoarabica offers three coffees with a strong personality, and each of them tells something about its country of origin: Brazil, Guatemala and Ethiopia.  Last but not least, an exceptional coffee comes from El Salvador: idillyum is a rare and precious Arabica Laurina (Bourbon variety), extraordinary and exclusive because it has a  very natural low level of  caffeine and it is available in small quantities, due to  the peculiar weather and growing conditions that it requires.

    Espressamente Illy

    Representing the embodiment of the “Italian coffee,” Espressamente Illy is a franchising network of outlets based on the pursuit of quality in every aspect: in the offer, in the environment, in the service. It started in 2003 and today, it is present in 230 coffee bars in 34 countries, and in the most important cities of the world, such as Rome, Paris, London, Toronto, San Francisco, Miami, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Beijing.

    With Espressamente Illy, the bar becomes a “boutique café”: a place to enjoy, whose coffee, food, environment, and culture blend in order to tell worldwide the Illy brand and the Italian style of life. Here, consumers may order a quick excellent espresso prepared by illy baristas, and can take their time, enjoying a lunch break, meeting people and socializing with them, relaxing and even working connected to the Web world by Wi-Fi.

    Aside from coffee, we enjoyed the food served by Espressamente Illy:

    Spinaci Crostini (PhP 175) – rich and creamy spinach dip derved with crostini

    Tomato and Basil Bruschetta (PhP 225) – grilled baguette topped with fresh tomatoes, basil and parmesan cheese

    Supremo Pizza (PhP 400) – pizza topped with Italian sausage, pancetta, black olives, onions and capsicum

    Wild Mushroom Pizza (PhP 375) – button mushroom, shiitake mushroom, porcini mushroom and fresh spinach

    Fettuccini Tartufo (PhP 300) – Italian style comfort food

    Tiramisu with Espresso (PhP 290) – layers of lady fingers alternated with layers of cheese and dusted with cocoa powder served with illy espresso